Liverpool vs Manchester United betting tips

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is just as deeply seated - if not more so - than that which exists between the likes of Arsenal and Spurs. And passion will run high when the two sides do battle on Saturday lunchtime at Anfield. Those that like their tea and scone-type lunches had better look away, this will be a real meaty feast of action in which passions will run extremely high. If United win, one suspects that the Premiership will all but be a done deal. And as the Reds' skipper, Steven Gerard, has said in a recent interview, Pool will be doing everything within their power to see to it that that does not happen. But since the inauguration of the Premier League in the 1992/93 season, Liverpool have only beaten Man Utd in four of the Red Devils 14 visits to Anfield in the league. Sir Alex Ferguson's charges have won three of their last four league visits to the stadium famed for the fervent support of the Kop. However, despite their sound record at Anfield, United will need to step up on the level of form they've shown in their last three away matches in all competitions, as Liverpool have turned Anfield into a fortress. They boast the best home record in the Premiership this season and are unbeaten in 14 fixtures, conceding just three goals in the process. Rafa Benitez's men will be wishing that more was at stake, in that they could still mount a serious title challenge. There is a feeling of underachievement at Anfield, despite their glorious victory in the Champions League two seasons ago. For a club of their stature - and given the strength of their squad, following an array of significant inbound transfers over the past couple of seasons - everyone concerned with the club feels that they should be genuine contenders for the Premiership crown. And indeed they should be. Everything is set fair for Saturday's clash. There will be no excuses, as neither manager is faced with selection headaches owing to injuries, suspensions and the such like. It will be interesting to see Rafa's chosen starting XI, particularly who starts up front. One suspects Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt may be paired in attack, although Peter Crouch's aerial capability would be a potent weapon against United, who have often been vulnerable at set-pieces this term. It goes without saying that, where the visitors are concerned, Cristiano Ronaldo is the key man. Despite the winger's pivotal role in getting Wayne Rooney sent off when England met Portugal in last year's World Cup in Germany, there is no ill feeling. On the contrary, Rooney hailed Ronaldo as the best player in the world at present during an interview in midweek. So used to being in the spotlight himself, this admission is indicative of Rooney's appreciation of his teammate's footballing wizadry. Moreover, it's indicative of the spirit within the side in general - everyone at Manchester United is pulling in the same direction, hence their nine-point lead at the summit of the table, and hence the cohesion they display on the pitch. Predicting the likely outcome of this game is tough, that's for sure. What isn't hard to predict, however, is that it will be an explosive match. I envisage both side's to come out of the traps at full pelt, and I wouldn't be in the least surprised if we were to see a few goals during the first 45 minutes of play - no prisoners will be taken on either part. As such, I believe that value lies in option for first half in the half with most goals market at 9/4 with Stan James. Verdict - 2pts first half in the half with most goals market @ 9/4 (Stan James)