Saturday lunchtime brings with it one of the most anticipated match-ups of the English domestic season, as Liverpool play host to Man United. Typically fraught with tension, these encounters tend to throw the form book out the window, as shown by last season’s equivalent Anfield fixture where Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were seen off 3-1 thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick.
Liverpool come into the game buoyed by the fact that Steven Gerrard is poised to make his first start of the season, after fully recovering from a groin strain. United, on the other hand, have Wayne Rooney’s big-game temperament coming into question once again and after his sending off for England last Friday, the Anfield faithful can be expected to ensure a hostile reception for Fergie’s star man. Ahead of the weekend’s glamour tie, WhoScored puts the game under analysis:
Wings The Key
A look at the WhoScored Team Characters suggests the flanks will play a prominent part in determining Saturday’s showdown. While one of United’s many strengths is “Scoring from wingplay situations”, a weakness of Liverpool’s is “Defending wingplay situations”.
With this in mind, we eye up the key protagonists- Nani and Ashley Young versus Jose Enrique and Martin Kelly. Between the two of them, Nani and Young have played a part in 13 of their side’s 24 goals so far this season. Nani has grabbed 3 goals and 3 assists, while Young has picked up 2 and 5 respectively. Though Wayne Rooney leads the way for key passes (3), the wide areas see United wreak havoc- Young has produced 2.7 key passes, with Nani just behind on 2.6; an indication of United’s reliance on creativity from the flanks.
When it comes to tormenting full-backs with trickery, Nani is far and away the most impressive of the pair- 3.3 successful dribbles per game from the right hand side, with Young recording just 0.7 in comparison. Nani is also top for United when it comes to successful crosses, with 1.6 just pipping Young’s 1.3, and the Portuguese winger is second only to Rooney (6.2) for shots, with 3 to Young’s 2.3. As a result of their displays thus far, the pair are rated fourth and thirteenth in WhoScored’s match ratings for the season, with 7.94 and 7.60 respectively. Perhaps it’s no surprise to see Nani edge it, with 36% of his side’s play coming down the right; 33% comes on Young’s left.
Liverpool have used Enrique’s left flank 38% of the time, compared to Martin Kelly’s 36% and with the Spaniard prospering going forward, his defensive duties haven’t been too outstanding. He’s made 1.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions, with Kelly a better ball-winner, 2.5 and 0.5 respectively. Kelly also leads the way for clearances, with 4.3 per game to 1.4, though has won a mere 20% of aerial duels, with Enrique winning 50% in comparison.
As mentioned, it’s Jose Enrique’s attacking stats which have really shone so far- 1.7 key passes is just behind Stewart Downing’s 1.9 and he leads the way for successful dribbles (2), with Luis Suarez next up on 1.7. His 2 assists are also joint-top with Charlie Adam, an indication of his importance going forward and explanation as to why Liverpool can be weak defensively out wide. If he continues his attacking tendencies at Anfield on Saturday, his head-to-head with Nani will be fascinating- United will look to target the space left behind when he bombs forward.
Last Time Round
The 3-1 win for Liverpool last March came about in spite of United’s dominance of the play. The visitors had 58% possession and won 15 tackles to 10, but managed just 3 shots on target all game. Liverpool’s superior cutting edge saw Kuyt grab 3 goals, with the home side managing 6 shots on target from a total of 16.
Dalglish’s side targeted the United left flank all game- 51% of their attacks came from this side, with Raul Meireles, up against Ryan Giggs, playing a crucial part. As the player position map shows, Meireles (4) foraged forward time and again, with Luis Suarez (7) drifting out wide, as his movement and trickery caused the visitors problems throughout. Glen Johnson (2) was an able supporter from right-back, with Maxi Rodriguez (17) tucking in on the left of midfield and assisting his side from a more central position.
The central midfield area proved crucial; Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick had 85 and 100 touches each, the most of United’s side, with Scholes hitting 14 long balls as United looked to break with speed. Steven Gerrard and Lucas, the Liverpool central midfield pairing, also saw more of the ball than any team mate and with 4 and 7 tackles respectively, their ball-winning was key to their side’s resistance. Scholes and Carrick, on the other hand, managed just 4 tackles between them, with Patrice Evra making 6- an indication of just how tough a shift he had at left-back.
Despite United using Nani’s right flank 39% of the time, he was ineffectual- no shots, key passes or dribbles were indicative of a woefully disappointing performance and he has much to make up for this time round. Suarez, on the other hand, dazzled throughout the game- 7 successful dribbles ripped United apart and they had little answer but to foul the Uruguayan 6 times. For United, Rooney and Berbatov up front disappointed, losing possession 6 and 4 times respectively, with just 2 shots on target between them.
It’s a sign of how quickly personnel has changed in both sides that, of the above-mentioned players, only Suarez, Gerrard and Lucas are likely starters for Liverpool, with Johnson still recovering from a hamstring strain. United will still have Rooney and Nani as part of the first XI, though Fergie may opt for the experience of Giggs once again. Regardless of tactics or new faces, however, one thing’s for certain- this clash of the titans will prove to be a frantic and fascinating showdown, as always.
