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Five Ways in Which Liverpool can beat United at Old Trafford

Samrin Hasib, February 10 2012,
Liverpool and United meet each other again following two prior meetings already this season.

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These are five ways in which Liverpool can beat United at Old Trafford:

Liverpool must put as many balls into the box as possible.

United showed their vulnerability in defending balls inside the box against Chelsea. Daniel Sturridge’s mazy run led to Jonathon Evans putting the ball into his own net. David Luiz’s header from inside the box also took a deflection before finding the back of the net. Juan Mata ghosted into the box to score his side’s second.

All three goals point to the fact that if a team can get players into United’s box, they can outsmart United’s defenders and score against the Red Devils.

Liverpool must be creative.

Liverpool appeared quite one dimensional against Tottenham. Despite having the majority of possession, they really did not make Pepe Reina produce great saves on too many occasions. Liverpool usually launches attacks from their wings. The wingers and fullbacks try to send the ball into the box hoping that either Andy Carroll or Craig Bellamy meets it.

Also, on too many occasions, Liverpool throws balls forward hoping Carroll wins a header. With Steven Gerrard on the pitch, Liverpool can actually consider passing their way to goal rather than trying the same things over and over again.

Liverpool should try and control possession rather than play on the counter-attack.

Liverpool shouldn’t try to defend and win on the counter-attack. One can argue that Liverpool managed to keep City out at the Etihad. However, very few teams manage to shut out United. This season, just one team has managed that feat- Newcastle United.

When a team defends against United for the entire 90 minutes, they get pushed further and further back. A United goal becomes inevitable and United uses intricate passing in the box to eventually find the back of the net. As a result, what Liverpool should do is ensure that their full-backs try and attack United most of the time.

Liverpool must beware of Chicharito

Javier Hernandez, better known as ‘Chicharito’, has a habit of ghosting into the box late in a match and scoring vital equalizers or winners. Chicharito was at it again against Chelsea. David Luiz did not even see the Mexican come into the box and head the ball into the back of the net.

Arguably, Kenny Dalglish should assign a defender just to track him down if he starts or even comes on later.

Liverpool should stick to the game plan even if United take the lead.

United becomes a vicious team when they have the lead. They punish the opposition mercilessly. They keep on scoring and the score-board changes rapidly before the fans and players can even blink. Liverpool thus should not ideally change anything unless they are losing the midfield battle against United. They should keep coming at United and force an equalizer.


All being said and done, Liverpool has beaten United enough times recently to know how to beat the Reds again.

Who do you think will win the game? Feel free to leave your comments below.


 

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Date: Saturday, 11 Feb 2012
Time: 07:45 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: England Premier League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)

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