English battle that never dies out
September 13th 2008 02:04
The most famous fixture in English football is here, ready to write itself into a history of feuds that gives a Manchester United - Liverpool game all the recognition it deserves.
Between them, they have won 74 major trophies and their inter-city rivalry is as furious as any in the world.
And if you are a United player, don't even think of a move to Liverpool. Sir Alex Ferguson would rather see you play in Siberia, than running on the surfaces of Anfield.
As per usual, a rivalry in football has to have history and these two teams have it in loads.
Whether it's because of Manchester's manufacturing prowess, or the fact Liverpool love their seaside ports, two of England's proudest clubs simply do not like each other and come Sunday afternoon, perhaps one team with a red shirt will feel the pleasure of having played a local derby as historical as this one.
In recent times though, United have had it all over Liverpool.
The 'Red Devils' won the Premier League and Champions League titles last season and will also participate in the FIFA world club championships for the title of world's best club - something that Liverpool would not bear.
Regardless, Liverpool still hold their own in football history against United.
Liverpool still have 58 trophies up their sleeve, while United have 53. The ledger still favours those in favour of Anfield.
But if things started looking rosy for those down at the Merseyside, United have bragging rights. They have won the last two matches between the sides. Something that will haunt Liverpool no doubt.
Without the use of inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard, Liverpool will be hard pressed to beat a United side counting on the strike power of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Berbatov.
Still, the return of Argentine defensive mid-fielder Javier Mascherano for Liverpool will serve the Anfield locals with enough grunt and structure in the middle of the park.
Throw in the dangerous Fernando Torres and occasionally reliable Robbie Kean and Liverpool have some strike of their own.
And love him or hate him United fans, you still do not have the individual brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo to fall back on.
One thing that you will always get in these games is drama and class.
No doubt both Liverpool and United fans will get their money's worth when they see two of England's proudest clubs going head to head in another chapter of typical English feud.
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