For once this season, Manchester United fans will fiercely get behind bitter rivals Liverpool…
The Merseyside Reds will welcome current English Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a terrific encounter. But the competition between the Red Devils and the Citizens currently sees Manchester City having the upper hand.
As things stand, Roberto Mancini’s billionaires possess a 4-point lead over their local foes. Should City avoid defeat at Anfield, the gap will widen to 5 or 7 points at the top of the standings.
Here, the big problem for Manchester United is that they have only one fixture against Man City remaining. The Red Devils already blew away 3 massive points in a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford the other time.
Yesterday, Manchester United failed to keep pace with the Citizens as they succumbed to a controversial draw against this season’s surprise package, Newcastle United. Chicharito put his side in front early in the second period only for Demba Ba to equalize for the Magpies through the penalty spot.
Chicharito scored again deep in injury time but his goal was ruled for offside, leaving fans fuming at the linesman's decision. Speaking about Newcastle United’s penalty goal, Alex Ferguson reportedly told Sky Sports News:
“It costs you. Two years ago when the linesman gave the offside goal against Chelsea it cost us the league, so hopefully we're not saying that at the end of May.”
With their unfortunate defeat away to Napoli in midweek, Manchester City know that their UEFA Champions League hopes are hanging from a thread. This situation could push them to poor all their efforts in the English Premier League and strengthen their position at the very top of the table.
“We're disappointed but we will pick ourselves up and go again on Sunday at Anfield and make sure we bounce back with a good performance and get a win,” midfielder James Milner courageously told Skysports.com following the Napoli loss.
But while Manchester City are hopeful of bouncing back, Liverpool are eying victory at all cost. The Merseyside Reds, who have the task of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, are currently 7th in the league. Even Chelsea and Arsenal, whom they both defeated, presently seat above them.
“If we start getting a few more points at home and keep what we're doing away, I'm sure we won't be too far away [from a top 4 finish],” Glen Johnson told BBC Radio Merseyside after scoring his team’s winner against the Blues last Sunday.
Liverpool definitely want to claim victory over Manchester City at Anfield this afternoon but they’d certainly not do so for the love of Manchester United’s anxious players and supporters. Hatred evidently exists between the Merseyside Reds and the Red Devils.
The problem of one is the delight of the other. On Sunday, however, things will be a bit different.
Liverpool will hurt Man United’s English Premier League title hopes if they hurt themselves with defeat to Man City. Likewise, they will help the Red Devils if they help their own top 4 dream with victory over the Citizens…
As things stand, Roberto Mancini’s billionaires possess a 4-point lead over their local foes. Should City avoid defeat at Anfield, the gap will widen to 5 or 7 points at the top of the standings.
Here, the big problem for Manchester United is that they have only one fixture against Man City remaining. The Red Devils already blew away 3 massive points in a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford the other time.
Yesterday, Manchester United failed to keep pace with the Citizens as they succumbed to a controversial draw against this season’s surprise package, Newcastle United. Chicharito put his side in front early in the second period only for Demba Ba to equalize for the Magpies through the penalty spot.
Chicharito scored again deep in injury time but his goal was ruled for offside, leaving fans fuming at the linesman's decision. Speaking about Newcastle United’s penalty goal, Alex Ferguson reportedly told Sky Sports News:
“It costs you. Two years ago when the linesman gave the offside goal against Chelsea it cost us the league, so hopefully we're not saying that at the end of May.”
With their unfortunate defeat away to Napoli in midweek, Manchester City know that their UEFA Champions League hopes are hanging from a thread. This situation could push them to poor all their efforts in the English Premier League and strengthen their position at the very top of the table.
“We're disappointed but we will pick ourselves up and go again on Sunday at Anfield and make sure we bounce back with a good performance and get a win,” midfielder James Milner courageously told Skysports.com following the Napoli loss.
But while Manchester City are hopeful of bouncing back, Liverpool are eying victory at all cost. The Merseyside Reds, who have the task of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, are currently 7th in the league. Even Chelsea and Arsenal, whom they both defeated, presently seat above them.
“If we start getting a few more points at home and keep what we're doing away, I'm sure we won't be too far away [from a top 4 finish],” Glen Johnson told BBC Radio Merseyside after scoring his team’s winner against the Blues last Sunday.
Liverpool definitely want to claim victory over Manchester City at Anfield this afternoon but they’d certainly not do so for the love of Manchester United’s anxious players and supporters. Hatred evidently exists between the Merseyside Reds and the Red Devils.
The problem of one is the delight of the other. On Sunday, however, things will be a bit different.
Liverpool will hurt Man United’s English Premier League title hopes if they hurt themselves with defeat to Man City. Likewise, they will help the Red Devils if they help their own top 4 dream with victory over the Citizens…
