Lee Dixon: Extra class should pull United through Anfield test

Lee Dixon
22 September 2012

Sheer class - Lee fancies RvP to score again for United

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The eyes of the footballing world will be on these two Premier League giants on Sunday and Lee Dixon thinks United's extra firepower could prove decisive

"For me there is simply more class about United than Liverpool. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have enough attacking talent to turn any game and I expect another big showing from Robin van Persie.
United have always boasted incredible firepower but they look a cut above now."

Over 2.5 goals @ 2.111/10

Millions of football fans around the world will be watching Sunday's action at Anfield.

Liverpool v Manchester United is still the biggest game in English football. Any fixture between these two is always a high-pressure match but the stakes are higher than ever this time, as much for what happens in the stands as on the pitch. There has always been deep enmity between these two sets of fans but let's hope that everybody shows a bit of respect on Sunday afternoon.

To matters on the pitch now and the home side are, let's be frank, in a spot of Premier League bother. Yes, the fixture list has not been kind, but results in winnable games have not materialised and the only performance that offers much hope came against Manchester City. Roberto Mancini's men are the champions of course, so there's something to cling on to, but it's not enough.

Motivation will not be an issue for either side but every Liverpool player need only look at the league table before the game and say to themselves 'look where we are'. If I was Steven Gerrard I would be showing that to everyone and if they can't handle the pressure move out! If games like this put fear into the Liverpool players and they shrink then they shouldn't wear the shirt.

I always liked a big challenge when I was a player - George Graham pointing the finger at me and putting the pressure on. We don't know if there are enough characters like that in the current Anfield dressing room but the big players must step up on Sunday if they are to have any chance.

I'm sorry to say it but I just don't think there's enough doubt about Brendan Rodgers' men, and in the match odds market I'd far rather get behind United at odds of 2.789/5 - though I wouldn't be placing big money on it. Anfield is a very special place, capable of conjuring up some special moments, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise were Liverpool to beat United, but at the prices it's not a bet for me.

For me there is simply more class about United than Liverpool. Sir Alex Ferguson's men have enough attacking talent to turn any game and I expect another big showing from Robin van Persie.
United have always boasted incredible firepower but they look a cut above now.

Cards always seem likely when these two play and I fancy a few will be shown in a match settled by a late-ish goal. It should be close, it will certainly be passionate, but United have the extra class to land the three points.

And when the final whistle goes, let's hope we're talking about what happened on the pitch rather than in the stands.

Recommended Bets
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.111/10
Draw/Man Utd HT/FT @ 8.07/1
Robin van Persie to score @ 2.68/5 (if he starts)
Bookings Odds 9pts and above @ 2.47/5

Michael Cox says...

I’m looking forward to Robin van Persie up against Martin Skrtel. Lee mentions that the Dutchman will thrive in a big game like this, and I recall his Premier League performance at Anfield last season, when he snatched the win, despite Arsenal being outplayed. His winning goal came when he got into a position beyond Martin Skrtel, and I think he’ll work the same zone again. Skrtel was Liverpool’s Player of the Season in 2011/12 but has started this campaign dreadfully – in four games, he’s been booked in two, conceded a penalty in another, and played the wayward backpass to Carlos Tevez to cost Liverpool two points against Manchester City. Steven Fletcher’s movement caught him out last week, and the Slovakian is not yet comfortable with the high defensive line. I’ll back him to be booked at 4.5.

Alan Thompson says...

I like Lee's over 2.5 goals bet in this one, both teams have scored in the last five fixtures between these two. Liverpool at home last season failed to beat any of the top four drawing three and losing to Arsenal. United have already lost on Mersyside, going down 1-0 to Everton in their opening fixture. That was also the only game so far this season in which they have failed to score. Last season, United lost three times on the road and they failed to score in all three. It seems if they score they at least draw. Make no mistake Liverpool have had a tough start to the season but I agree with Lee and thought they would have picked up a couple more points than they have and they weren’t great at Sunderland last week! I think Liverpool are capable of getting a goal so I will be backing 1-1 as a saver on the main bet of over 2.5 goals.