Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL 08-09: Preview and Live Score

Liverpool is going to take on Manchester United at home on 13 September 2008 as the fourth week of English Premier League gets underway following a week off due to world cup 2010 qualifying schedule. The rivalry between all reds (Liverpool) and the red devils (Manchester United) is always something special to premier league fans. Ahead of this much heated encounter, fans of both sides are now excited and expecting a mouth watering battle at Anfield stadium.

Match: Liverpool vs Manchester United, English Premier League 2008-2009

Date: 13 September 2008, Saturday

Venue: Anfield Stadium, Merseyside, Liverpool

Kick off: 12:45 BST (British Standard Time)

Live on: Sky Sports 1 Television Channel

It is a very important match for both sides. The match is not only a matter of three points; rather it is a matter of prestige. Manchester United came away with victory from Anfield in their previous two visits. So, Liverpool will look to stop Manchester United’s winning streak at Anfield this time around, seeking to take revenge of their previous two defeats that left a morale-denting mark on Liverpool.

The thing is that Liverpool played better than Manchester United in their home meetings in last two seasons, but still suffered 1-0 defeat on both occasions. In 2006-2007, Manchester United clinched a last minute strike thanks to John O'Shea and United sneaked away with three points from Anfield. Last season, it was Carlos Tevez who scored the winner for Manchester United.

Liverpool recent record against Manchester United is not impressive at all. The All Reds lost five out of their last six home encounters with Manchester United, while the other match was a draw. Moreover, Liverpool has not scored any goal against Manchester United at home for almost five years in premier league. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard thinks Liverpool needs to take some risks to win the early kick off against Manchester United on Saturday. Gerrard says, a victory over Manchester United will provide with huge psychological boost, besides three points.

Reuters reported:

"Over the last couple of years we've gone into games against United and Chelsea very organised tactically - defensive if you like - and still lost 1-0." Gerrard said.

"It's important a few risks are taken to try to score that goal against these teams because it gives you such a psychological boost."

However, Liverpool has got to contend with some major injury woes ahead of the much-waited showdown with Manchester United. Two of the key players: Captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres- are doubtful for the match as both of them are out of action with injury. Steven Gerrard has undergone a surgery to shake off his hamstring injury and missed England’s opening two world cup qualifiers. However, he is not yet confirmed for the match because it might a bit early to feature him in the heat of premier league. However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said he would need to take a last-minute decision on this regard and he is not worried about the injuries of two important players of the squad.

Bleacherreport reported:

"Clearly we have enough quality in the squad, so it is always important to look to the other players and sometimes they can give more to you than the big names."

"They can have the same quality and passion and they also have a lot to prove to the supporters."

"He [Gerrard] is progressing as for Fernando [Torres], He wants to play but I've been told it would be risky so it will be a last minute decision."

New signing Robbie Keane will be there to lead Liverpool attack looking to find his first goal for new club since his Summer move from Tottenham Hotspur to Liverpool. Striker Fernando Torres is mot likely to miss the Manchester United match as he could not yet shake off his hamstring injury. In the midfield, Ryan Babel will play behind Keane, while Xabi Alonso will continue his job as a holding midfielder for Liverpool.

Well, Manchester United is also missing their star winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest scorer of last season, ahead of the away game in Merseyside. However, it will not be a big problem for United as they have a number of effective options in Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and newly signed Dimitar Berbatov. However, the good thing is that Ryan Gigg is expected to be back in action after recovering his hamstring twinge that he picked up during United’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at home last month in their opening match in premier league this season. Rio Ferdinand is also fit for the match after shaking off his neck and back injuries that kept him out of England’s opening world cup qualifier against Andorra, but the United defender took part England’s 4-1 stunning victory over Croatia.

Fox Sports reported:

Giggs has been suffering with a hamstring twinge since the Newcastle match on August 17. The 34-year-old Welshman came off against Kevin Keegan's side when he felt a tightening in his hamstring to limit any damage.

Carrick had to pull out of the England squad after he suffered an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, but is now expected to be available.

Liverpool picked up seven points from three matches and currently stands right behind leader Chelsea on goal difference. Manchester United did not have a good start as they could manage to clinch 4 points so far with a match at hand.

Online Live Score and Updates

Here, I am giving some online live score websites from where you can get the live score and updates of the exciting match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a big match which offers a lot for the football fans. Lots of things are at stake now ahead of the match. So, it is not easy to predict who is going to win the match at Anfield. However, I think, Liverpool will have a slight edge over the visiting side in the match, considering Liverpool’s spirited display in the opening matches of the season. However, Manchester United has a long squad and Alex Ferguson has a number of quality options to choose his best eleven for Liverpool encounter. So, it would not be fair to write off Manchester United. I just expect to see a hard-fought match between Liverpool and Manchester United.