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#360Fans: Manchester United vs Liverpool - UAE Supporters Club preview

Sport360 staff
Updated
#360Fans: Manchester United vs Liverpool - UAE Supporters Club preview

One of the world's most fierce derbies heads to Old Trafford today as Manchester United welcome their old foe Liverpool.

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United seem to be back on track under Louis Van Gaal, while Brendon Rodgers' side are in desparate need of turning their season around after a hugely disappointing start to their campaign.

To gather an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked members of the respective supporters' clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

Ziad Al Jamman – Manchester United Supporters Club UAE

We don't need reminding of what happened last season against Liverpool so it’s time we got some bragging rights back. Current form suggests that United, on a run of 5 consecutive victories as opposed to Liverpool and their embarrassing exit from the Champions League, should pick up all 3 points but we all know form goes out the window in the Premier League’s biggest rivalry.

Liverpool are there for the taking and I would imagine that LVG will set up the team to be positive and push for goals.

It was obvious Liverpool have problems in the space between defence and midfield and we will look to the likes of Mata and Herrera to pick those spots and dictate play.

In what is becoming a weekly feature for us we have yet another injury to deal with and Smalling will be missed as he had hit good form in previous weeks.

The game has come too early for Di Maria and Shaw so look for LVG to stick with a similar team in previous weeks to maintain the consistency we have shown, although I would hope that Rafael is passed fit to take the place of Valencia as our right wing-back.

Last season was all about Liverpool and what could have been.

They were very close to the title and the post match chest thumping speech from their captain against Man City proved prophetic. It's been a slippery slope for Liverpool since then.

Prediction: 2-1 to United.

Likely United XI: De Gea; Rafael, Rojo, Evans, Young; Carrick, Fellaini, Herrara; Mata; Rooney, RVP

Player to watch: RVP - A blistering performance last week with two goals and excellent all round play. We’re looking for that to continue.

Liverpool Player to watch: RAHEEM STERLING - Whilst he is suffering a dip in form he has the speed and trickery to get at Ashley Young on the left and cause him problems.

Where to watch: The Dubai branch of the United UAE Supporters’ Club will be watching the game at our main venue at the Harvesters in the Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road. Some of us can also be found in Nara Shisha Café and Stars n Bars for our Abu Dhabi-based fans.

Daniel Watson – Liverpool UAE Supporters Club (Dubai Reds)

Liverpool have been poor throughout the first half of this season, both domestically and in Europe.

The loss of the best two strikers in the Premiership last season has hit Liverpool hard. Replacing Luis Suarez was near impossible, and the injuries to Daniel Sturridge have really taken their toll.

Mario Balotelli may return from injury today, while Fabio Borini appears to be surplus to requirements under Brendan Rodgers.

That leaves Rickie Lambert as the most likely player to start up top in this game; another dream come true for the Scouser who would love to lead his team to victory against their most bitter of rivals.

Steven Gerrard, as ever, will be well up for this one and will try to rally the lads to put on a display for the suffering LFC fans.

It hurts to say this, but I agree with Ziad. Form goes out of the window in a game like this.

Personally, I would love to see a positive attitude from Brendan Rodgers and see Adam Lallana and Emre Can from the start. Both have made impacts in games at different points in the season but for whatever reason are not getting regular starts.

Rodgers looks set to drop out of form goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and give Brad Jones a start, a move that will divide opinion amongst Reds fans despite Mignolet’s poor displays.

Liverpool need not only a win, but a performance to inspire a turnaround in a –to date- insipid season.

Prediction: I am going for a 1-0 win with Lambert getting the only goal of the game.

Likely Liverpool XI: Jones; Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno; Lucas; Henderson, Gerrard; Sterling, Coutinho; Lambert

Player to watch: Steven Gerrard – The skipper will be influential for Liverpool in the centre of the park and will push others around him to raise their game.

Man Utd player to watch: Liverpool will have to look to stop Robin Van Persie who was excellent against Southampton last time out. We have to make sure they are not able to play with freedom and create opportunities for him.

Where to watch: Join the Dubai reds at Goodfellas Sports Bar in the Ramee Rose hotel in Tecom.


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