Anfield expects Liverpool triumph

Liverpool desperate to get one over rivals Manchester United

By Emdad Rahman

Original article - The weekend will see hostilities resume in what is arguably one of the biggest games in the football calendar.

Liverpool versus Manchester United is one of football’s great and historic rivalries, and two of British football's biggest ever personalities will lock horns in their bid to secure crucial points for the respective clubs they manage.

It is anticipated that Kenny Dalglish will welcome back Steven Gerrard to his starting eleven at Anfield on Saturday. The club skipper's recovery from injury and return for this massive clash is a huge boost for his team mates.

Gerrard has made appearances in victories over Wolves and Everton and may make his first start in seven months in Saturday's lunchtime kick off at Anfield. Ironically, his last start was in March when Liverpool blitzed United 3-1.

The Liverpool captain aggravated a groin injury during the game which resulted in the recent and lengthy lay off. Gerrard is still Liverpool's talisman. He boasts five goals against Sir Alex Ferguson's men and his return to the starting eleven will be a huge boost for the Reds.

Ferguson's team are still unbeaten this season and lead their Merseyside rivals by six points. Liverpool's shooting stars will note that despite possessing the best shot conversion rate (26 percent) in the League and conceding five goals, David De Gea's goal has been peppered by with 97 shots so far - more than any other Barclays Premier League club.

With the absence of Rio Ferdinand and a not fully fit Nemanja Vidic, the Red Devils rearguard may lack the experience to deal with a fiery derby day attacking onslaught.

Jonny Evans was one of the reasons Gerard Pique was released by United, and the Irishman's defensive prowess, along with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling will be a very important factor in the game. Vidic returned midweek for Serbia, so it is likely he will return to shore things up at the back.

Liverpool are the United captain's bogey team, having been sent off three times against them, though chief tormentor Fernando Torres is now a memory at Anfield. Much will also hinge on Wayne Rooney continuing his purple patch, and the head to head between Jose Enrique and Luis Nani.

In the quest for a minimum top four standing this season, Liverpool need the three points more than their bitter rivals. United are unbeaten in their quest for yet another title, whilst Liverpool seek a Champions League spot at the very least. 

Despite many calling the game a draw, history and north-west bragging rights will see both teams take the game on at extreme full throttle.

Anfield is ready, Anfield awaits, Anfield expects.