Liverpool entertains Manchester United at Anfield this weekend and they hope to become the first team this season to defeat the current Premier League champions. The new look Liverpool side have spent heavily in the transfer market in the last few months as they look to bridge the gulf that has developed between the two clubs in recent years in terms of trophy success.
Since the return of Kenny Dalglish as manager there has been a marked improvement on the field, but early season defeats at the hands of Stoke City and then Tottenham Hotspur has left Liverpool six points adrift of their arch rivals. The importance of this early season meeting is already clear as a defeat would leave Liverpool nine points behind the champions, while a victory will close the gap to just three points.
SEASON 3 PREMIERE
The Merseysiders have beaten United in their last three home encounters in the Premier League which should give them a psychological boost before the game, and despite unconvincing victories against Wolves and Everton, victory in this game could send the Reds confidence soaring, as they attempt to make an impression in this seasons title race.
A Dirk Kuyt hat trick sealed Manchester's fate in the last Premier League encounter at Anfield as the y ran out 3-1 winners and Liverpool will look to new hero Luis Suarez who set up all three goals on that occasion to provide the much needed impetus for the match between these two footballing giants.
The two clubs have won 118 honours between them, 58 for Liverpool and 60 for Manchester United, while the Red Devils have just edged the number of English Championships by 19 to 18, Liverpool still hold the impressive five European Cup successes compared to United's three European trophies.
Liverpool signings Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique could all feature in their first game between the two clubs, while captain Steven Gerrard is unlikely to be risked from the start as he continues his return to full fitness following a long injury layoff.
Despite the champions scoring an impressive 24 goals in their opening seven Premier League games, there is speculation that they have defence frailties which were exposed against Chelsea and again against Basel in the Champions League 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, something Liverpool will look to exploit.
A key to United's overwhelming successes in recent seasons is their strength in depth and this is a situation that Liverpool have addressed with their pre-season signings with their improved squad the Reds could certainly make an impression on the Premier League this season, and this is a great opportunity to take three points off their rivals.
Premier League Preview - Liverpool Plays Manchester United SEASON 3 PREMIERE
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