It was something of a “scruffy” win against Reading – and I would be more than happy if it was a similar type of game against Manchester United.
If it is, I can see us getting a point, and possibly three.
Over the last few weeks United have not been their fluent selves, while the Reds, with Fernando Torres in terrific goal scoring form, have had far more consistency.
After the great result against Inter Milan it would have been easy to slip up against Reading. But Rafa Benitez has been playing the same team more or less recently and that has been a big plus.
United will be wary of Torres, but, likewise, we will have to keep a watch on Ronaldo and Rooney.
It has become something like a “derby” match, in which United have been better than us. But they have struggled lately – the game at Derby being an example – and the Reds have certainly improved.
That, to a large extent, has been down to Torres and his ability to score regularly. His 20-goal league mark so far is a tremendous boost and the team would be in a far better position today if he had played all the games he had been available for.
I thought Steve Coppell’s side have improved greatly and acquitted themselves well at Anfield, putting us under pressure at times.
I was quite happy with 2-1 because it turned scrappy towards the end. But in those situations you just have to get stuck in for the result and that’s what we did.
League results lately have given an air of confidence missing in mid season and this has helped the Reds string a run together. But United will prove a different proposition.
Martin Skrtel has settled in well. He’s a big lad and that’s what we have needed. He just needs to concentrate for the 90 minutes.
The Premier League is all about power and character, having to dig in and fight – and that’s what the Reds will have to do.
In Javier Mascherano we have the perfect player to help stop United. He will feel better now he has opened his account, but his role in front of the back four is vital and we will need another big performance from him.
Will Benitez play a Euro-style game against United? There is no doubt they are extremely effective in Champions League games and the manager is meticulous with his preparation.
Let’s hope he is spot on come Sunday. What a tremendous lift a positive performance at Old Trafford would do ahead of the Arsenal showdowns.
I fancy our chances against the Gunners in the Champions League.
Don’t get me wrong, they are a good, young side. But I don’t think they have the strength to last the pace this season.
Recent results have shown vulnerability about Arsenal, who knows no other way to play than attack. But if you hit them on the counter, or crowd out their midfield, they don’t necessarily have the answers.
The more goals Fernando Torres scores, the greater he enjoys himself, and he will be a key figure.
But the other vital ingredient is the way the Reds are brought up on Euro football and tactics.
The draw underlined how strong the Premier League is with half the teams from England. The incentives for progress are there.
If it is, I can see us getting a point, and possibly three.
Over the last few weeks United have not been their fluent selves, while the Reds, with Fernando Torres in terrific goal scoring form, have had far more consistency.
After the great result against Inter Milan it would have been easy to slip up against Reading. But Rafa Benitez has been playing the same team more or less recently and that has been a big plus.
United will be wary of Torres, but, likewise, we will have to keep a watch on Ronaldo and Rooney.
It has become something like a “derby” match, in which United have been better than us. But they have struggled lately – the game at Derby being an example – and the Reds have certainly improved.
That, to a large extent, has been down to Torres and his ability to score regularly. His 20-goal league mark so far is a tremendous boost and the team would be in a far better position today if he had played all the games he had been available for.
I thought Steve Coppell’s side have improved greatly and acquitted themselves well at Anfield, putting us under pressure at times.
I was quite happy with 2-1 because it turned scrappy towards the end. But in those situations you just have to get stuck in for the result and that’s what we did.
League results lately have given an air of confidence missing in mid season and this has helped the Reds string a run together. But United will prove a different proposition.
Martin Skrtel has settled in well. He’s a big lad and that’s what we have needed. He just needs to concentrate for the 90 minutes.
The Premier League is all about power and character, having to dig in and fight – and that’s what the Reds will have to do.
In Javier Mascherano we have the perfect player to help stop United. He will feel better now he has opened his account, but his role in front of the back four is vital and we will need another big performance from him.
Will Benitez play a Euro-style game against United? There is no doubt they are extremely effective in Champions League games and the manager is meticulous with his preparation.
Let’s hope he is spot on come Sunday. What a tremendous lift a positive performance at Old Trafford would do ahead of the Arsenal showdowns.
I fancy our chances against the Gunners in the Champions League.
Don’t get me wrong, they are a good, young side. But I don’t think they have the strength to last the pace this season.
Recent results have shown vulnerability about Arsenal, who knows no other way to play than attack. But if you hit them on the counter, or crowd out their midfield, they don’t necessarily have the answers.
The more goals Fernando Torres scores, the greater he enjoys himself, and he will be a key figure.
But the other vital ingredient is the way the Reds are brought up on Euro football and tactics.
The draw underlined how strong the Premier League is with half the teams from England. The incentives for progress are there.
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