Earlier on, Liverpool had been defeated by Fiorentina, Chelsea, then by Sunderland (controversially). Can Rafael Benitez’s men respond to the trial that they are currently enduring with a victory against their bitter rivals Manchester United?
This gigantesque clash in the English Premier League will take place at Anfield, on Sunday afternoon.
Struggling Liverpool must turn the tables around.
Losing to Chelsea at the start of the month was a big disappointment for the Reds who failed to deal with pressure and high tempo.
Going down against Sunderland after the international break was even more alarming, not only because of the controversial manner in which Liverpool lost, but also because of the situation in which the Reds find themselves after that result.
Seating eighth in the league standings with fifteen points from nine games is certainly an awkward position especially as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa are three, two, and one point clear above them respectively – although these three teams have a game in hand.
Liverpool are currently six points behind former league leaders Chelsea who slipped onto second in the table. The Merseyside Reds are also seven points off the champions Manchester United who presently top the table standings with twenty-two points out of a possible twenty-seven.
Last season, Rafael Benitez’s side seemed to be at its full best in the league and still, they couldn’t beat the Mancunian Red Devils for the title. However, they got pride from their back-to-back victories against Manchester United.
In the corresponding fixture last year, Liverpool inscribed a comeback victory to inflict much pain in the heart of United’s experienced manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
At that point in time, the Reds were leading the English Premier League’s table. This season though, everything looks different.
Liverpool are so behind, having lost twice on the trot and four times in all in the league. Liverpool’s losing record this season is twice as much as last year’s. The club definitely needs to put an end to their horrible run.
This suggests that Liverpool beat Manchester United at home on Sunday, October 25, 2009.
But without the presence of their influential captain Steven Gerrard, will Liverpool find the solid rock on which they must stand to defeat the Red Devils of Manchester?
Well, winning at Anfield this weekend is the only thing that the 1991 English Premier League champions must do if they want to avoid anymore embarrassments.
Actually, Liverpool might be waving an early goodbye to the Premiership trophy should they lose again on Sunday.
Defeat will see the Merseyside Reds, who haven’t won the title in over 17 years, lack ten points behind Manchester United. Above all, Rafael Benitez’s team could slip onto tenth in the table should Stoke City and Burnley pick up victories in their respective games on Saturday.
In fact, Sunday will present a big test to Liverpool: can they overcome their challenges and send out a strong message to the rest of the teams (favorites or not) saying that they never walk alone?
Manchester United can have a sweet revenge, Michael Owen a thrilling return at Anfield
It certainly seemed difficult for some to believe the reality last year when Manchester United lost both of their encounters against Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Well, this season, Alex Ferguson could take his team to Anfield for a sweet revenge against his long-time rivals – Rafael Benitez and Liverpool FC.
With reports explaining that the hosts’ captain, Steven Gerrard, will not feature on Sunday, how will the match turn out to be? What approach will Manchester United take during the game?
Certainly, Steven Gerrard’s absence from this tantalizing clash will be a huge boost for the defending English Premier League champions, Manchester United.
There should also be another boost with the presence of this season’s Mancunian derby hero, Michael Owen.
The former Liverpool striker could be the victim of a hostile reception at Anfield, but such a thing will only make things more thrilling.
"It will be different; it'll be a bit noisier!" Michael Owen told Sky Sports as he reflected on this big game.
"I've been back before with Newcastle a couple of times, so I've played there for an opposing team. But, I'm certainly looking forward to this game.
"As usual between United and Liverpool, it'll be a competitive game between two of the world's top, top teams.
“The teams are more equally matched perhaps than when I went back with Newcastle, so it should be a good game and an exciting day."
The Manchester United number 7 is eying a victory at Anfield against his former team Liverpool. Michael Owen’s concern is on picking all three points.
He stated:
"It's still early in the season, but you don't want to lose too many games or drop too many points at this stage.
"All the teams seem quite tightly packed together at the top. So, it's still all to play for."
Boos might fall on the English striker who was deemed by Liverpool fans as a betrayer when he signed for archrivals Manchester United in the summer.
Either way, Michael is ready to play at his full best come Sunday. The possible absence of Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic, and forward Wayne Rooney will definitely put the spotlight on striker Michael Owen.
The former Real Madrid and Newcastle player expressed his readiness ahead of Sunday’s big clash by declaring:
"I like big games. For some reason I find an extra certain percentage. Everyone knows these things."
Scoring in a victory over the Merseyside Reds in this titanic clash will not only inflict misery on Liverpool but also mark an important step in both Manchester United’s and Michael Owen’s achievement this term.
My predictions
It’s hard to see Liverpool losing for a fifth time in a row. I think that Manchester United will either hold Liverpool to a draw or lose again like they did last year.
I foresee a 1-1 draw or a 2-1 score line that could go either way.
In fact, should Liverpool bow down to the Red Devils with a defeat, then it will ring the bells on Rafael Benitez… the sack could be just around the corner…
