What Liverpool must do to beat Manchester United

One of the biggest and fiercest rivalries in world football is going to take place at Anfield this weekend when Liverpool host Manchester United. It’s going to be cracker of a match with both sets of fans hoping their team can not only win but humiliate the other. This game stirs up a lot of emotions, both for the players as well as the fans. The teams play with passion that’s insurmountable, with emotions running high and knowing that defeat in this fixture is inexcusable. This game is not only about the 3 points but something much more than that.

Liverpool goes into this fixture as the underdog. But for a game as fierce and unpredictable as this, there are no favourites. The Kop will be at its fiercest while making it hell for the United players at Anfield. This game is all about pressure and who can deliver the goods when required. Rodgers will be under quite some pressure himself to get that elusive first win. Things have not been going right for Liverpool and he will be hoping that luck favours Liverpool this time round; and who better to get your first managerial win against?

Considering Liverpool’s current form, it would be a miracle to get that special win and here are five ways to do that:

Exploit the flanks

Raheem Sterling has been a revelation this season and remains the bright spark in an otherwise lackluster team. He adds creativity and remains Liverpool’s stand-out performer. The likes of Enrique and Sterling can put pressure on Rafael who can get caught out of position at times while attacking. It still remains to be seen as to who Sir Alex would choose to play left back: the experienced Evra, or the ‘man-of-match performer’ Buttner. Regardless, Johnson should bomb down the right flank and get those dangerous balls in.

Captain Fantastic to the fore

When the chips are down, there’s one man you can always rely on: Steven Gerrard. He thrives on big match pressure, especially against bitter rivals Man Utd and one could expect to see him lead from the front. He has been relatively quiet in the first couple of games this season. This could be the game where he finally bursts onto the scene and turns the season around for Liverpool. The Kop will be crying out to the legend to give a match-winning performance and would be hoping that he delivers.

Suarez and his ‘nutmegs’

Suarez became a fan favourite among the Kop after his splendid performance against United in March 2011. His skill to dribble past the entire United backline and put the ball through for Kuyt was simply sublime. Suarez would relish the challenge to outwit or nutmeg the United centre backs and slot the ball into the back of the nets. He should particularly target Rio Ferdinand who probably is the ‘Achilles Heel’ in an otherwise compact defense.

The Midfield Battle

Sir Alex has an array of talent in midfield, from the evergreen Scholes to new-boy Kagawa. Rodgers’ possession game will be put to test against United. The likes of Allen, Sahin and Shelvey must control the midfield and win the battles against Carrick, Scholes and co. Give away possession cheaply and they’ll end up seeing Reina picking the ball from the back of the net; United will always take their half-chances. United’s counter-attacks can be deadly and Liverpool will have to be more composed in their passing and movement.

Do ANYTHING to stop RVP

Well, not literally. But yes, Agger and co. would have to defend for their lives to ensure RVP goes goalless. The new Old Trafford talisman, who scores for fun, will look to cement his legacy by scoring at Anfield. Agger and Skrtel will have their work cut out with the likes of Kagawa, Welbeck and Chicarito also breathing down their necks. Reina would also have to step up his game to ensure that Liverpool keep a clean sheet at Anfield this week.

Three points and bragging rights are up for grabs this weekend. In a game of this magnitude, whoever blinks first loses. Let’s hope that’s not Liverpool.