The KEY to Victory........

[Barnyard]

The key to victory?

Give it to El Nino

[SB]

I dont think Babel will start personally but i hope im wrong, as Riise is incapable of influencing a game of this level going forward.

Which is why Aurielo must start with Babel IMO.

[Nic83]

We need to create which haven't done in years by. Controlling the game is one thing but to carve open opportunities is another.

And obviously taking the opportunities if that means doing a smash and grab then so be it.

I can remember a few really good chances. Not too many but the ones we had should have been scored. I recall a luis garcia header that didn't look like such a big chance because he foooked it up so badly but it was actually a sitter. And we had an even better one than that, can't remember who now..

And at places like the bridge, we always carve out about 3 really scoreable chances but fail to take them..

[Howard_lfc]

I dont think Babel will start personally but i hope im wrong, as Riise is incapable of influencing a game of this level going forward.

I seem to remembe JAR influencing a game at the Nou Camp not so long ago.

[SB]

I seem to remembe JAR influencing a game at the Nou Camp not so long ago.

Correction Howard. That was 12 months ago

[Slinky Skills]

Into Row Z

And hopefully smash one of the Prawn sandwich brigade in the face while he's at it!

[Joe King]

And hopefully smash one of the Prawn sandwich brigade in the face while he's at it!

Now that would be a sight.

[Joe King]

Riise may get a recall from Rafa (Teamtalk)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has no new injury worries ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester United (1.30pm kick-off).

Daniel Agger is still out, having had a third operation on a broken metatarsal earlier this week. Benitez does not expect his return until next season.

Harry Kewell will captain Australia this weekend in Singapore, and although the midfielder has talked of still fighting for a new contract it seems likely now that he will leave Anfield this summer.

Benitez could field an unchanged side at Old Trafford, although he may use the experienced John Arne Riise in midfield ahead of Ryan Babel.

Reds (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Crouch, Pennant, Itandje.

[Marky]

I have a feeling we'll need to score one more goal than United to win. Just a hunch.

[Nic83]

I have a feeling we'll need to score one more goal than United to win. Just a hunch.

LOL, you'd make some gambler marky

[-V-]

I think Carra will play right back, with Sami in the the centre and AA at left back. Just a gut feeling.

No i cant see it mate. I dont think Sami will play. Mancs have got a lot of pace in attack and thus i see Carra and Skrtle starting this game in the middle. Arbeloa at right back and either Riise or Aurelio at left back.

Rafa usually plays all 3 of Carra, Skrtle and Sami when he feels we will be vulnerable from crosses. The threat the mancs have is Vidic, Ronaldo and possibly Rio Ferdinand in this instance. Rio is a doubt as it is. But because of their pace i get the feeling Hyypia wont be starting

[El Jefecito]

No i cant see it mate. I dont think Sami will play. Mancs have got a lot of pace in attack and thus i see Carra and Skrtle starting this game in the middle. Arbeloa at right back and either Riise or Aurelio at left back.

Rafa usually plays all 3 of Carra, Skrtle and Sami when he feels we will be vulnerable from crosses. The threat the mancs have is Vidic, Ronaldo and possibly Rio Ferdinand in this instance. Rio is a doubt as it is. But because of their pace i get the feeling Hyypia wont be starting

I'm comfortable that whatever back line we put out that we can contain them. They have more to worry about than we do.

We'll win the CM battle, El Jefecito, Xabi and SG are untouchable.

Babel + Kuyt + Torres up front. At least one is bound to score, so TBH it is there for us to lose. Which I don't think we will. SG, Torres and Babel will be the difference.

[enema of the state]

the mancs game plan will be the same as always. theyll aim to be WATERTIGHT at the back and work on the assumption that an lfc mistake, a bent referring decision, a moment of class or failing that a set piece will get them ahead. once we have to press them, their counterattacking style would give them a big advantage.

to win this game, the most important thing we have to do is NOT to gift them a goal at any time in the 90 mins.

If its level at the hour, theyll get wobbly, the crowd will get on their back and theyll start to overpress. Once they start to abandon their stifling game plan - well be on our way.

If we can somehow get an early goal then it could be a great day. they looked very very nervy against bolton and whilst theyll have better players out in giggs and rooney, if they play like they did midweek, well win by 2 goals or more.

prediction

scum 0 - 1 lfc scorer: kuyt - running through walls after his omission from the dutch team.

[-V-]

I agree, its going to be such a tight game and there wont be many clear cut chances. Thats why i feel Kuyt and Babel will make the difference. The mancs will be obsessed with keeping Gerrard and Torres and thus the key chances and opportunities may well fall to Babel and Kuyt. We need potency and killer instinct from these 2 guys.

Our back 4 im not worried about much. Mascher will help them massively.

I do not fear the Mancs and i believe we will win this game. My only niggling worry is that Fergie will be sitting there right now trying to work out ways to exploit our zonal marking at set-pieces

[AFII]

The problem is that the ref, Bennett, is an attention seeker. He will make a few controversial decisions just to be seen more by the cameras.

So they key is that more of the controversial decisions go our way.