Liverpool will be hoping to turn the tables on Utd at Old Trafford on Saturday
With one of the biggest games – and biggest grudge matches – of the Premier League season due to take place at 17:30 on Saturday evening, Old Trafford is likely to be a cauldron of atmosphere and animosity as Liverpool arrive to take on Manchester United.
The two most successful clubs in the history of English football are great rivals and with both sides currently undergoing a (somewhat prolonged) period of ‘transition’, it’s likely that the game could mean even more than usual with both wanting to put down a marker of how far ahead they are of their rivals.
And Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes that the fixture at Old Trafford this weekend is the biggest in Liverpool fan’s season, particularly in light of recent times at both clubs.
Writing in the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge said: “For me, this is THE away fixture in the calendar for Liverpool now.
“I know that will be a controversial thing to say. For me, when I was growing up and when I was playing, Everton was the game we always looked for. It was the biggest fixture in terms of local rivalry, but also because we were usually competing for trophies together.
“It’s changed now, and I reckon 60 per cent of Liverpool fans would rather have a win at Old Trafford than at Goodison Park now. Though me being greedy, I always want both!
“When I played at Old Trafford, and when I went there as a fan, the away supporters used to have the whole bottom section of the Scoreboard End. There’d always be six or seven thousand Reds there, and the atmosphere would always be absolutely bouncing.
“It’s different now, the away fans are shoved into the corner, out of sight. They’re not soft, United.
“But it’s still a real hostile atmosphere, and one that as a player you should want to play in. I used to look forward to those derby games, with United or Everton, for weeks in advance. I wanted the chance to get out there and get stuck into them.”
Liverpool go to Old Trafford with seven points – the same total as United, who are only ahead in the Premier League table on goal difference and a win for either side will really give them confidence. But neither side has been particularly convincing at either end of the field, with Liverpool scoring just twice in four games and Aldo believes that Danny Ings can be the key player for the Reds.
He continued: “Desire, heart and bravery are going to be as important as any technical attribute here. That’s why I would, as I said last week, start Danny Ings for the game.
“Make no mistake, this lad will not leave anything on that pitch if he is selected. He’s hungry, absolutely gagging for his chance to shine. He did well against West Ham, and I think he could bring Christian Benteke to life if he starts up alongside him.
“He’s got the movement, the work ethic and the goalscoring touch. He netted there for Burnley last season, and had a great game.
“I reckon the fans in that away end would love to see him closing down defenders, running the channels, working his heart out.
“And, hopefully, grabbing the winner too.”
