Soccer Focus: Liverpool, Manchester United set to give an exhilarating game

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Buoyed by their recent mauling of Wigan, Manchester United will go into this weekend’s game against Liverpool full of enthusiasm and confidence.

The emphatic win as well as the contributions of new signings Alexander Buttner and Chris Powell, both of whom got on the scoresheet, would have pleased Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson.

Javier Hernandez gave a good account of himself too, but I am not sure he has done enough to convince the Scot to start him against Liverpool, with the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney waiting in the wings.

Unlike the Mexican, Buttner’s performance has warranted him an opportunity to take the pitch at Anfield.

While some may argue that the experience of Patrice Evra may prove useful against United’s traditional rivals, the Frenchman has been poor for the Red Devils so far, often their weakest link in defence.

Buttner proved in the Wigan game that he was more than capable of moving up to support the attack on top of his defensive duties. Although not a finished article, he deserves more playing time to achieve his potential.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will set out to dominate possession in their pass-and-move style, but they will not find it easy against United.

Packed with strong midfield talent of their own, Ferguson’s team will not allow the Reds to dictate play.

United’s speedy attackers will look for every opportunity to hit Liverpool on the break, and pace has been lacking in the Liverpool defence.

The Reds could make up for it if they stay compact, but Rodgers’ possession soccer requires his players to find space. As such, the rear-guard is often spread too thin, exposing Pepe Reina’s goal.

The Spaniard has not been in good form this season, struggling for form from the start.

Reina must pray that his defence to stays focused throughout the game, or he will end up picking the ball from the back of the net a few times.

Game-changing players for both sides are likely to be found in the striking department.

Van Persie has plenty of experience scoring against Liverpool, with Reds supporters unlikely to forget his strike for Arsenal last season that denied their team a deserving three points.

Heroic in a similar capacity last weekend, Luis Suarez’s industry and intelligence will be vital if Liverpool are to stay on par with the Red Devils.

The other big match-up in this round sees Manchester City welcome Arsenal, two teams that have vastly different defensive records.

Thanks to the efforts of Steve Bould, Arsenal can now count on their defence as a pillar of strength, with the Gunners having conceded only one goal in the Premier League so far.

Long has Arsene Wenger’s squad been known for its attacking displays, and they deserve praise for fortifying the rear-guard this season.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, City have been poor defensively, as evidenced by the six goals they have leaked domestically and the three strikes Real Madrid recorded against them in the Champions League.

Although Arsenal’s attacking roster of Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Gervinho is not quite comparable to Real’s start-studded line-up, I believe Mancini should do away with his three-man defensive gamble this weekend.

The Italian should revert to the dependable four-man backline that won him the title, as they cannot afford to endure another disappointing loss on the back of their defeat to Los Blancos.

Former Liverpool and England International Steve McMahon is a soccer expert with ESPN. Catch him on The Verdict at 8 p.m. and on ESPN’s coverage of the Barclays Premier League.