[2cents]

Nah, 2014 topped this one easily. It looked like we gave them the title then.

Yeah maybe, there was nothing really in it for us by then though was there? Were we still in the running for 4th?

 

[InfiniteBoredom]

Yeah maybe, there was nothing really in it for us by then though was there? Were we still in the running for 4th?

Mathematically, at the time, yes, but we all knew it wasn't going to happen. Although, even if we lose today, we can still finish top 4 given the upcoming fixtures.

 

[Hisha]

Manchester United squad members vs Liverpool


Confirmed United squad members seen at The Lowry


David de Gea

Sergio Romero

Matteo Darmian

Antonio Valencia

Phil Jones

Chris Smalling

Marcos Rojo

Michael Carrick

Paul Pogba

Ander Herrera

Jesse Lingard

Juan Mata

Ashley Young

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Wayne Rooney

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Anthony Martial

Marcus Rashford

 

[MDFC Manager]

Yeah maybe, there was nothing really in it for us by then though was there? Were we still in the running for 4th?

We were out of the running for everything, the moment Moyesy stepped in.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Wonder which 2 of martial, Miki, Mata and Lingard will play today.

 

[Treble_Winning]

It's ridiculous. Even seven straight wins can't lift us past sixth place.

Honestly, I wish people would stop talking about this. What does it matter, it's the points which we should be focusing on. The entire top six are separated by only a few points. Any one of the teams can win the title, and can also drop out of the CL spots. There is still half a season left to play. So we should concentrate on points rather than our position in the table.

I think it's evident that we have made up a lot of ground on the other big teams. And it's only natural that the big teams will easily thrash the small teams. The final league positions will depend mostly on head to head clashes between the big teams - but is that really so surprising? Apart from last season's freak outcome, every other season has been like this. How many times did we lose the title to Chelsea because of Drogba or Terry offside / dodgy goals in head to head "title decider" clashes? What about the season where City on it on goal difference? Or even in 1999 (treble season) where we won it by 1 point? What about the infamous Gerrard slip game, where literally one game against Chelsea caused them to lose the title?

It's normal. Let's stop talk it about the fact that we are sixth and just try to win games and get as many points as possible. We are still in the title race. All of the top six teams are.

 

[InfiniteBoredom]

Manchester United squad members vs Liverpool


Confirmed United squad members seen at The Lowry


David de Gea

Sergio Romero

Matteo Darmian

Antonio Valencia

Phil Jones

Chris Smalling

Marcos Rojo

Michael Carrick

Paul Pogba

Ander Herrera

Jesse Lingard

Juan Mata

Ashley Young

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Wayne Rooney

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Anthony Martial

Marcus Rashford

Young as back up LB?

 

[M Bison]

Wonder which 2 of martial, Miki, Mata and Lingard will play today.

My monies on Miki and Lingard.

 

[Hisha]

Wonder which 2 of martial, Miki, Mata and Lingard will play today.

Imo, Mikhi will start for sure and he should be. The question is, which one of Mata, Martial and Lingard will play? I think Jose will bench Mata, so it's between Martial and Lingard.

 

[KN5]

Highest stakes Liverpool match since 2009?

Difficult to say, I'd say this one in particular is more important than both 2014 and 2009 seeing how the top 6 is shaping up right now and all competing with one another.

This could define our season, in January, halfway through.

 

[Treble_Winning]

I reckon we'll win 1 or 2 nil. Mou loves a 1-0 in a clash with a big rival, but I hope we can make it a bit easier by grabbing the second goal. Mourinho also hates the scousers and they hate him so winning this one will mean as much to him as it does us fans.

Not true. Mou destroyed Arsenal 6-0 in Wenger's 1000th game in charge. He hates Wenger and instructed his team to go all out to obliterate Arsenal. They were still pressing and harrying and trying to score despite being 5-0 up. watch the videos of the game. Jose celebrated wildly after the sixth goal. It was a bit sadistic of him but it just shows his desire to win, and how he wants to completely obliterate opponents and crush their resolve. Arsenal weren't quite the same after that defeat.

I wish Mourinho hated Liverpool a little more, but I am sure he doesn't love them. I hope he goes all out to send a message today and literally knock those arrogant Scouse bastards off their self-imagined perch. Champions-elect but can't even beat Plymouth and Southampton. Lol

 

[kps88]

Highest stakes Liverpool match since 2009?

The Anfield game in 2015 (Mata goals) seemed pretty important in terms of our top 4 chances. Plus it was played late in the season. Didn't end up mattering in the end though.

 

[Treble_Winning]

Difficult to say, I'd say this one in particular is more important than both 2014 and 2009 seeing how the top 6 is shaping up right now and all competing with one another.

This could define our season, in January, halfway through.

I do not know for sure if we will win the title this season. But we will finish above Liverpool. After this game the gap is just 2 points. We will finish above them.

 

[KN5]

Manchester United squad members vs Liverpool


Confirmed United squad members seen at The Lowry


David de Gea

Sergio Romero

Matteo Darmian

Antonio Valencia

Phil Jones

Chris Smalling

Marcos Rojo

Michael Carrick

Paul Pogba

Ander Herrera

Jesse Lingard

Juan Mata

Ashley Young

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Wayne Rooney

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Anthony Martial

Marcus Rashford

If this is true, interesting to see no Blind, Darmian at LB then, don't really mind since they don't have Mane, still get shivers when I think about what sissoko did to Darmian, totally dragged Pogba out of position to help as well. Hopefully he does fine vs Lallana/Origi/Milner/Firmino

 

[Hisha]

Not true. Mou destroyed Arsenal 6-0 in Wenger's 1000th game in charge. He hates Wenger and instructed his team to go all out to obliterate Arsenal. They were still pressing and harrying and trying to score despite being 5-0 up. watch the videos of the game. Jose celebrated wildly after the sixth goal. It was a bit sadistic of him but it just shows his desire to win, and how he wants to completely obliterate opponents and crush their resolve. Arsenal weren't quite the same after that defeat.

I wish Mourinho hated Liverpool a little more, but I am sure he doesn't love them. I hope he goes all out to send a message today and literally knock those arrogant Scouse bastards off their self-imagined perch. Champions-elect but can't even beat Plymouth and Southampton. Lol

Jose 'wildly' celebrated the sixth goal because it was scored by Salah, once of Jose's own recruit. Jose wanted him to be successful as Salah was his signing. If you watch Jose's celebrations on each time Salah had scored, you can see that each time he celebrated 'wildly'.

Jose hates Liverpool. Reason: He was in talks with Liverpool before joining Chelsea 1st time. But they ignored Jose and appointed Rafa. And then the Chelsea-Liverpool rivalry played its part as well.

 

[Hisha]

If this is true, interesting to see no Blind, Darmian at LB then, don't really mind since they don't have Mane, still get shivers when I think about what sissoko did to Darmian, totally dragged Pogba out of position to help as well. Hopefully he does fine vs Lallana/Origi/Milner/Firmino

Blind is living near The Lowry, he normally comes to the Lowry by himself to join the team.

 

[OohAahMartial]

We're not parking the bus this time. Think it will be an attacking game from both sides and good for the neutrals.

 

[Pexbo]

If this is true, interesting to see no Blind, Darmian at LB then, don't really mind since they don't have Mane, still get shivers when I think about what sissoko did to Darmian, totally dragged Pogba out of position to help as well. Hopefully he does fine vs Lallana/Origi/Milner/Firmino

Could be Rojo. I don't like him at LB but didn't he drag Darmian off against West Ham at half time?

 

[Treble_Winning]

Jose 'wildly' celebrated the sixth goal because it was scored by Salah, once of Jose's own recruit. Jose wanted him to be successful as Salah was his signing. If you watch Jose's celebrations on each time Salah had scored, you can see that each time he celebrated 'wildly'.

Jose hates Liverpool. Reason: He was in talks with Liverpool before joining Chelsea 1st time. But they ignored Jose and appointed Rafa. And then the Chelsea-Liverpool rivalry played its part as well.

I am sure that he was pleased for Salah (who was a total flop by the way) but I am also sure he was especially happy at having totally crushed Arsenal on Wenger's 1000th game in charge. His loathing for Wenger is very deep seated. They have a deep personal dislike for each other. It is not only about football.

I know he hates Liverpool and especially Rafa. But I wish he would take his hatred of Liverpool to the same level as his hatred for Arsenal. The Liverpool fans also hate him because of the numerous times he crushed their dreams (Gerrard slip just being one example). I want him to go all out to smash Liverpool. A 1-0 win isn't enough. They need to be beaten very comprehensively. Put back in their place. A result to deflate their confidence and knock them out of the title race.

 

[2 man midfield]

We're not parking the bus this time. Think it will be an attacking game from both sides and good for the neutrals.

"Let's see if Liverpool can deal with us"

 

[KN5]

Could be Rojo. I don't like him at LB but didn't he drag Darmian off against West Ham at half time?

Yeah think that was more tactical than anything else. I doubt he would disrupt the Jones Rojo partnership for such a huge game if Rojo is match fit, I just hope Blind finds a way to sneak in because then I might get 11/11 in my predictions XD, always thinking about the bigger picture .

 

[InfiniteBoredom]

We're not parking the bus this time. Think it will be an attacking game from both sides and good for the neutrals.

The dig around the 5 min mark

'I know Utd is the biggest team in England, it's easy to know, but I don't know if the game still is'

 

[Norris]

I hope Blind starts tonight, it's probably wishful thinking and unlikely to happen, but he would fair better than Darmian.

DDG
Valencia - Smalling - Jones - Blind
Carrick
Herrera - Pogba
Mkhitaryan - Zlatan - Martial​

 

[KN5]

I hope Blind starts tonight, it's probably wishful thinking and unlikely to happen, but he would fair better than Darmian.

DDG
Valencia - Smalling - Jones - Blind
Carrick
Herrera - Pogba
Mkhitaryan - Zlatan - Martial​

Don't you think Rojo+Jones >Smalling+Jones, Jose has basically said Rojo is fit to play just wondering why you personally think he's going to go for smalling today? Agree with the rest however.

 

[Siorac]

Honestly, I wish people would stop talking about this. What does it matter, it's the points which we should be focusing on. The entire top six are separated by only a few points. Any one of the teams can win the title, and can also drop out of the CL spots. There is still half a season left to play. So we should concentrate on points rather than our position in the table.

I think it's evident that we have made up a lot of ground on the other big teams. And it's only natural that the big teams will easily thrash the small teams. The final league positions will depend mostly on head to head clashes between the big teams - but is that really so surprising? Apart from last season's freak outcome, every other season has been like this. How many times did we lose the title to Chelsea because of Drogba or Terry offside / dodgy goals in head to head "title decider" clashes? What about the season where City on it on goal difference? Or even in 1999 (treble season) where we won it by 1 point? What about the infamous Gerrard slip game, where literally one game against Chelsea caused them to lose the title?

It's normal. Let's stop talk it about the fact that we are sixth and just try to win games and get as many points as possible. We are still in the title race. All of the top six teams are.

Are you sure you wanted to reply to me? Because how close the title race was in the past has absolutely nothing to do with my post. My point was that in just about any other season, with 39 points after 20 games we would be in the top three. The top five clubs ahead of us are more consistent this season than they have ever been. It's annoying.

EDIT: Also, we're not in the title race. That's delusional. We are 13 points behind Chelsea. Even if we beat Liverpool it's still 10 points and there are five teams ahead of us. We're not going to win the league.

 

[Norris]

Don't you think Rojo+Jones >Smalling+Jones, Jose has basically said Rojo is fit to play just wondering why you personally think he's going to go for smalling today? Agree with the rest however.

Yeah, he has mentioned it that Rojo should be fit to play, but Smalling - Jones were really solid against Hull if I am not mistaken. So there is that odd possibility that Jose would want to retain that partnership against Pool, with maybe Rojo being played at LB. It's unlikely I know, but I think the Smalling-Jones partnership could really blossom.

 

[KN5]

Are you sure you wanted to reply to me? Because how close the title race was in the past has absolutely nothing to do with my post. My point was that in just about any other season, with 39 points after 20 games we would be in the top three. The top five clubs ahead of us are more consistent this season than they have ever been. It's annoying.

EDIT: Also, we're not in the title race. That's delusional. We are 13 points behind Chelsea. Even if we beat Liverpool it's still 10 points and there are five teams ahead of us. We're not going to win the league.

The fact that you're saying we're delusional for thinking we don't have a chance at the title 20 games in is delusional, chances are slim but it's not over. 2011 EPL says hello, 8 points ahead with 6 games left, guess who won the league? Yes the team that was BEHIND 8 points with 6 games left. If we win today we're still in with a shout, you'd say pogba is also delusional for believing we can win the title. Have a bit more faith man! 10 points with a tonne of games is plenty of time especially considering top 6 will be playing eachother a lot the coming weeks.

Yeah, he has mentioned it that Rojo should be fit to play, but Smalling - Jones were really solid against Hull if I am not mistaken. So there is that odd possibility that Jose would want to retain that partnership against Pool, with maybe Rojo being played at LB. It's unlikely I know, but I think the Smalling-Jones partnership could really blossom.

Ahhh Smalling-Jones, the partnership that was always meant to be! Hopefully it finally can be! I have more faith in Rojo right now but I definitely don't think Rojo is a permanent starter.

 

[carlosp]

Young as back up LB?

My guess Darmian.

 

[Theatre of Screams]

Yeah, he has mentioned it that Rojo should be fit to play, but Smalling - Jones were really solid against Hull if I am not mistaken. So there is that odd possibility that Jose would want to retain that partnership against Pool, with maybe Rojo being played at LB. It's unlikely I know, but I think the Smalling-Jones partnership could really blossom.

I don't think that partnership looked that comfortable, Hull allowed us to play out from the back a lot but Hull caused a lot of problems with delivery from set pieces that we panicked with. If Rojo is fit he plays with Jones. There's a turnaround I never thought I'd hear myself saying.

 

[Norris]

I don't think that partnership looked that comfortable, Hull allowed us to play out from the back a lot but Hull caused a lot of problems with delivery from set pieces that we panicked with. If Rojo is fit he plays with Jones. There's a turnaround I never thought I'd hear myself saying.

Fair enough. It looked like a decent partnership to me with the only worry being that shot Hull hit the post with. On current form, Rojo deserves to start ahead of Smalling, but long term, I reckon Smalling can force his way back into first team duties.

Ahhh Smalling-Jones, the partnership that was always meant to be! Hopefully it finally can be! I have more faith in Rojo right now but I definitely don't think Rojo is a permanent starter.

Lol, whilst I like Rojo, I do see him as a short term fix. That's why I hope one of Smalling or Jones (or both) can really step it up.

 

[Donut]

Do people expect Martial to play? I don't think Mourinho trusts him (yet).

I'm pretty certain it will be 2 out of Rooney, Mata, and Mikhitaryan. Outside chance for Lingard.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Do people expect Martial to play? I don't think Mourinho trusts him (yet).

I'm pretty certain it will be 2 out of Rooney, Mata, and Mikhitaryan. Outside chance for Lingard.

Won't be shocked if Rooney starts on the left with a planned sub of Martial after an hour. He might give Rooney the chance to break the record in a dramatic way and use Martial against tiring legs. Think Mkhi will start on the right for his extra physicality and pace but it's harsh on Mata considering how he likes to score against Liverpool, though the same could be said for Martial and Rashford too. Shame we can't play with them all!

 

[KN5]

Do people expect Martial to play? I don't think Mourinho trusts him (yet).

I'm pretty certain it will be 2 out of Rooney, Mata, and Mikhitaryan. Outside chance for Lingard.

Martial has been playing well recently so I think he will start.

 

[Siorac]

Do people expect Martial to play? I don't think Mourinho trusts him (yet).

I'm pretty certain it will be 2 out of Rooney, Mata, and Mikhitaryan. Outside chance for Lingard.

I'm terrified he might start Lingard. I expect Mata and Mkhitaryan though.

 

[Siorac]

The fact that you're saying we're delusional for thinking we don't have a chance at the title 20 games in is delusional, chances are slim but it's not over. 2011 EPL says hello, 8 points ahead with 6 games left, guess who won the league? Yes the team that was BEHIND 8 points with 6 games left. If we win today we're still in with a shout, you'd say pogba is also delusional for believing we can win the title. Have a bit more faith man! 10 points with a tonne of games is plenty of time especially considering top 6 will be playing eachother a lot the coming weeks.

Even if Chelsea inexplicably collapse, there are four other teams ahead of us. We're very, very, very unlikely to finish ahead of all of them. But hey, I hope you're right and we have a chance.

 

[InfiniteBoredom]

I'm terrified he might start Lingard. I expect Mata and Mkhitaryan though.

Nah. Mata and Micky both starting means Carrick out.

 

[KN5]

Even if Chelsea inexplicably collapse, there are four other teams ahead of us. We're very, very, very unlikely to finish ahead of all of them. But hey, I hope you're right and we have a chance.

Correct, but if we look at things my personal order to challenge would be Chelsea, United, Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal, City. In that order I think those are the strongest teams right now and have the chance to challenge, what would be your order? Although we're behind on points, if we win today which we really should then we won't be behind many. I think the current standings don't represent the best chances is all my point is. Do keep in mind if both Manchester teams win today, 2nd-6th will be separated by 3 points. Which really is nothing.

 

[themoyesboy]

Not true. Mou destroyed Arsenal 6-0 in Wenger's 1000th game in charge. He hates Wenger and instructed his team to go all out to obliterate Arsenal. They were still pressing and harrying and trying to score despite being 5-0 up. watch the videos of the game. Jose celebrated wildly after the sixth goal. It was a bit sadistic of him but it just shows his desire to win, and how he wants to completely obliterate opponents and crush their resolve. Arsenal weren't quite the same after that defeat.

I wish Mourinho hated Liverpool a little more, but I am sure he doesn't love them. I hope he goes all out to send a message today and literally knock those arrogant Scouse bastards off their self-imagined perch. Champions-elect but can't even beat Plymouth and Southampton. Lol

That was the exception to the rule in general. The way Mourinho set up to play at Anfield earlier this season is how he usually approaches the massive games. I'm sure he'll do the same today make sure we're tight at the back and hope we convert one of our chances against a team not great at the back. We'll be a little more ambitious this time around because it's clear now we have found a winning formula, we have our swagger back, and it is reasonable to expect us to win. But he won't be sending the team out to attack, attack, attack from the first whistle today with the wildly optimistic idea we can obliterate them - leaving ourselves open to counter attacking opportunities that they usually thrive on.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Nah. Mata and Micky both starting means Carrick out.

Not if Micky plays on the left of the front three and Mata on the right. Not what I would choose against their full backs though.

 

[OohAahMartial]

I'm quite worried about Carrick versus their energetic forwards and intense pressing. Think how he manages will be key today. And of course we need Herrera to be immense today which I think he will be.