Man Utd vs AC Milan.
Champions League.
Kick off: 19:45 GMT – 10th March 2010.
Stadium: Old Trafford.

Watch Man Utd take on AC Milan live in the 2nd leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in Manchester.

Man Utd v AC Milan – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Manchester United vs AC Milan : Preview.

After an enthralling first leg Man Utd will welcome AC Milan to Old Trafford for the second leg in their Champions League first knockout round tie this Wednesday. After a fantastic start to the first leg AC Milan ended up losing the match to Manchester United 3-2 so they face the mammoth task of not only trying to overturn the deficit but also having to contest against three Man Utd away goals.

One of the focal points of this match will be the return of David Beckham to Manchester as the former United star hasn’t returned to Old Trafford since he left Man Utd back in 2003. In the first leg Beckham’s performance was almost non-existent however AC Milan boss Leonardo is still expected to give him the nod to start against Man Utd for the second leg.

In previous seasons Old Trafford has been a fortress for Man Utd however this season in Europe they have managed to secure just four points at home during the group stages so they will look to rediscover some home form when AC Milan visit.

As for AC Milan they themselves have struggled at home this season in the Champions League. However, they have excelled away from home and took seven points from their travels in the group stages including a 3-2 win over Real Madrid so that will give the Manchester United boss something to consider ahead of this fixture.

The key man for AC Milan in Manchester will be Ronaldinho who seems to have rediscovered the sort of form that won him back-to-back World Player of the Year titles in 04 and 05. In the first leg Man Utd got a glimpse of what he is capable of when he scored the opener for Milan after just 3 minutes. In order to protect their slender lead Man Utd will have to make special arrangements in a bid to keep him quiet.

As for AC Milan they will have to keep tabs on Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who is arguably the best player in the world right now based on his current form. There was a doubt beforehand whether or not he would make the Man Utd starting line up due to injury, however, it looks as though he will be declared fit in time to face AC Milan.

The favourites to progress here have to be Manchester United as they not only have a 3-2 lead going into the match but with home advantage the Man Utd fans will no doubt make it an intimidating atmosphere for AC Milan to play in. A lot depends on the fitness of Wayne Rooney as without him Man Utd are lacking in attacking options however i still find it difficult to imagine AC Milan doing enough to knock Manchester United out. I predict a 2-1 win in favour of United.

Man Utd v AC Milan – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Arsenal vs Porto.
Champions League.
Kick off: 19:45 GMT – 9th March 2010.
Stadium: Emirates.

Watch Arsenal take on Porto live in the 2nd leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Arsenal v Porto – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Arsenal vs FC Porto : Preview.

In the first leg of this tie Arsenal practically gifted Porto a win with some schoolboy defending, most notably that passback incident that resulted in the simplest goal that you will see this season. If Arsenal are to progress at the expense of Porto into the next round then they cannot allow for any antics similar to those of two weeks ago. They may have secured an away goal to bring back to the Emirates but Porto are still 2-1 up and they will be a danger to Arsenal once again this Tuesday.

However if Porto are to knock Arsenal out then they will have to improve on their last visit to the Emirates which resulted in a heavy 4-0 defeat. That match from last season may still be preying on the Porto players minds so they will know to expect an altogether different Arsenal from the one that they faced two weeks ago now that they are on home soil.

A massive blow for Arsenal in the build up to this clash with Porto is that Cesc Fabregas has been declared unfit due to a hamstring injury. This will no doubt give Porto a boost while also making it a whole lot harder for Arsenal. Fabregas has been the key man for Arsenal this season and without him they haven’t quite looked the same side so this will be a big challenge for the rest of the Arsenal squad to step up to the plate and deliver.

In previous encounters over two legs Arsenal don’t have the best of records after losing the first leg. In total Arsenal have lost the first leg nine times in European competition however they have only ever managed to overturn the deficit once.

When it comes to facing English sides however Porto do not have the best of records. From their last 6 knockout ties with English clubs Porto have lost out on 5 occasions. The only exception being the last 16 tie against Manchester United in the 03/04 season. Trips to London especially seem to be a problem for Porto having lost all 6 matches that they have played in the capital.

I am expecting this one to go right down to the final whistle as it is too close to call. I can’t see either Arsenal or Porto completely running away with it and putting the game to bed by half time or anything as such. I fancy this to be decided by extra-time or perhaps even penalties. If i was to force myself into choosing a winner i would go for Arsenal mainly because they are the home side and Porto seem to struggle in England.

Arsenal v Porto – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Watch all the highlights from Wolves vs Man Utd online in their Premier League match.

Wolves vs Manchester United.
Premier League.
Saturday 6th March 2010.

Wolves vs Man Utd highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Wolves vs Man Utd.
Premier League.
Kick off: 17:30 GMT – 6th March 2010.
Stadium: Molineux.

Watch Wolves take on Man Utd live as Manchester United look to go top of the league with a win.

Wolves v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Wolves vs Manchester United : Preview.

With Chelsea not playing until next week this is a great opportunity for Manchester United to put the pressure on their title rivals as the title race hots up. An away win at Wolves will send Man Utd back to the top of the league with a two point gap over the Blues. I won’t be easy for Man Utd however as Wolves are fighting to stay in the top flight and will want to come away with at least a point here.

The last time that Wolves faced off against Man Utd their was controversy surrounding Mick McCarthy’s selection policy which was deemed ‘weakened’ by the FA who subsequently charged Wolves for the selection. There will be no such controversy this time around however with Wolves fully expected to field as strong a line up as possible against Manchester United as they bid for Premier League survival.

Indeed the fact of the matter is that Wolves will need their strongest line up as Man Utd are coming fresh off the back of winning the Carling Cup at Wembley so the confidence will be sky high among the Manchester United squad. The on-fire Wayne Rooney got himself on the score sheet once again in that final and should he start he will be the man that Wolves will have to pay special attention to.

There is a doubt whether or not Rooney will be fit enough to face Wolves after picking up a knock while on international duty and with a key Champions League game coming up Alex Ferguson may leave him on the United bench.

Wolves have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to field the same team that has started the last three games.

Despite the potential lacking up front should Wayne Rooney be deemed unfit to play and with Michael Owen out for the rest of the season i still fancy Manchester United to win this relatively comfortably. I can’t see Wolves providing too much of a threat to the Man Utd back line and 2-0 United sounds about right to me.

Wolves v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Arsenal vs Burnley.
Premier League.
Kick off: 15:00 GMT – 6th March 2010.
Stadium: Emirates stadium.

Watch Arsenal take on Burnley live in a match which could see the hosts go top of the league.

Arsenal v Burnley – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Arsenal vs Burnley : Preview.

Both these sides will be going all out for three points at the Emirates this weekend with Arsenal challenging for the title and Burnley fighting to keep their place in the Premier League. An away trip to Arsenal isn’t the ideal place to go in search of your first away win of the season but that is the task that Burnley are facing this Saturday.

After a slight blip a few games back when they suffered back to back defeats against their title rivals Arsenal have picked themselves up in admirable fashion and have got themselves back to within three points of the league leaders. With no more matches against the other big three left to play Arsenal will want to put as much pressure on them as possible by winning every game from now until the end of the season.

As for Burnley they are equally desperate for the three points although for entirely different reasons. Despite being 27 games into the season Burnley have yet to win an away game this season, a stat which the Burnley fans are desperate to see disappear. I can’t say that i am too optimistic of the chances that Burnley will end that sequence this week at Arsenal although i guess stranger things have happened.

Last week the unfortunate Aaron Ramsay suffered a horrific leg break at Stoke however Arsene Wenger reckons that it will inspire his Arsenal team to perform rather than set them back. Whether or not that will be the case remains to be seen however one thing that is for sure is that Arsenal are a bit light in the centre of midfield at the minute.

The Arsenal boss will be hoping to welcome back Abou Diaby and Denilson to the starting line-up after the pair appear to have shaked off injuries however Alex Song will miss out with a suspension. There is also a possibility that Andrei Arshain could return to the fold for Arsenal however whether or not Arsene Wenger will risk him is another matter.

Graham Alexander could return to help the Burnley cause after news that the experienced midfielder has recovered from a calf injury, however, Chris McCann will continue to be absent with a knee injury that has seen him out of action for Burnley over the last four games or so.

At present Burnley are currently sitting 19th in the Premier League table but a famous win against Arsenal here could potentially see them climb to 15th. However with just 1 point won away from home this season it doesn’t bode well for them ahead of thier trip to Arsenal and with the Gunners home form being so impeccable it has hard to see any outcome here other than a comfortable Arsenal victory.

Arsenal v Burnley – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Watch all the highlights from Germany vs Argentina online in their International Friendly match.

Germany vs Argentina.
International Friendly.
Wednesday 3rd March 2010.

Germany vs Argentina highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Watch all the highlights from Rangers vs Celtic online in the Old Firm derby in the SPL.

Rangers vs Celtic.
SPL.
Sunday 28th February 2010.

This is a must win match for Celtic if they are to catch fierce rivals Rangers in the race for the SPL crown. Alan McGregor is expected to feature in goal for Rangers however there is a big doubt over the fitness of Celtic striker Robbie Keane who is in danger of missing out on playing in his first Old Firm derby.

Rangers vs Celtic City highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Maurice Edu Goal

Chelsea vs Man City.
Premier League.
Kick off: 12:45 GMT – 26th February 2010.
Stadium: Stamford Bridge.

Watch Chelsea take on Man City live in a must win game for both Chelsea and Manchester City in the premier league.

Chelsea v Man City – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Chelsea vs Manchester City : Preview.

There is a massive amount of hype and anticipation surrounding this match with Chelsea and top four chasing Man City this weekend. Not necessarily for the football reasons that would normally come with a Chelsea fixture with Man City but more due to the Terry/Bridge saga that has dominated English football over the last month. The outcome that fans are debating the most is not who will take the three points but whether or not the Manchester City defender will shake the Chelsea captain’s hand.

In truth this match is riddled with subplots and aside from er… Terrygate?… Bridgegate? There is also a massive rivalry on the touchline between Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelloti and Man City manager Roberto Mancini who were previously squaring up to each other regularly in the Milan derby while in charge of A.C Milan and Inter. Their rivalry will be renewed for the first time in English football this Saturday as Mark Hughes was still in charge when Manchester City defeated Chelsea in their previous league encounter earlier this season.

Also not to forget that Wayne Bridge was once a Chelsea player and will be facing his old side when Man City make the trip south to Stamford Bridge, however, with the recent hullabaloo involving the City defender and the Chelsea captain that fact is rendered almost pointless now. He has more on his plate i guess.

As i stated previously it was Manchester City who came out on top when they faced Chelsea back in December with goals from strikers Adebayor and Tevez securing the win after Adebayor put Chelsea in front with an own goal. That was at the City of Manchester stadium in front of their home crowd however and they will be sure to face a sterner test at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Chelsea have a fantastic record at home, taking an incredible 37 points from a possible 39 at home this season and in all competitions are unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in their 37 games. That stat states just how much of a challenge Manchester City face here and how it will take a massive effort from them to come away with a good result.

As for injuries and other absences Man City will be without Emmanuel Adebayor after the striker was sent off midweek against Stoke although that blow is dampened by the return of Carlos Tevez after being granted compassionate leave by the club. Kolo Toure and Roque Santa Cruz are both doubtful to be fit for Man City while Martin Petrov and Vincent Kompany have been ruled out.

The focus of injury problems at Chelsea is on defence. Full backs Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are ruled out for some time while this week goalkeeper Petr Cech was declared injured for a month.

Despite having a few injury problems at the back, with Petr Cech’s absence being the biggest blow, i still fancy Chelsea for the win. At Stamford Bridge they are almost unstoppable and they will want revenge for that defeat to Man City earlier in the season. 2-0 Chelsea i’m going to go for.

Chelsea v Man City – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Watch all the highlights from Unirea Urziceni vs Liverpool online in their Europa League 2nd leg match.

Unirea Urziceni vs Liverpool.
Europa League.
Thursday 25th February 2010.

Unirea Urziceni vs Liverpool highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Watch all the highlights from Inter Milan vs Chelsea online in the 1st leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Inter Milan vs Chelsea.
Champions League.
Wednesday 24th February 2010.

Jose Mourinho will be looking to get one over on his former club when Inter Milan entertain Chelsea tonight in the Champions League. Frank Lampard is set to return to the Chelsea side that will face Inter Milan although there are problems at left back for Chelsea with Ashley Cole out injured and Paulo Ferreira not registered to play in the Champions League.

Inter Milan vs Chelsea highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Watch all the highlights from Stuttgart vs Barcelona online in the 1st leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Stuttgart vs Barcelona.
Champions League.
Tuesday 23rd February 2010.

Stuttgart arguably have the toughest task in the last 16 of trying to get the better of European champions Barcelona. The Spanish giants have an impeccable recent record in the competition and Barcelona have not lost an away European tie since 2008.

Stuttgart vs Barcelona highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Man City vs Liverpool.
Premier League.
Kick off: 15:00 GMT – 21st February 2010.
Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium.

Watch Man City take on Liverpool live in a match which could see Liverpool leapfrog Manchester City into fourth.

Man City v Liverpool – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Manchester City vs Liverpool : Preview.

Undoubtedly the fixture most looked forward to this weekend is between Man City and Liverpool at the City of Manchester stadium this Sunday. The battle for fourth place is really beginning to heat up as we approach the deep end of the football season with Man City and their opponents this week Liverpool looking the most likely two to claim it.

At present it is Man City who are in the driving seat, sitting a point above Liverpool with a game in hand so this really is a must win game for Liverpool if they are to claim that last Champions League spot this season. The Reds simply cannot afford to go four points behind Man City which could also turn into seven should City win their game in hand.

While the performances and the football being put on show from Liverpool in recent weeks hasn’t exactly been inspiring, they have managed to put together a formula that gets results. Over the course of the last eight league matches only Manchester United have secured more points than Liverpool which will keep the fans happy for now at least.

Whether Liverpool will be able to grind out a result away to Manchester City however remains to be seen. Man City have risen to the occasion when playing the “Big Four” this season and have already beaten Chelsea and Arsenal at the City of Manchester stadium and they would love to add Liverpool to that list.

Liverpool will continue to be without Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson due to injury, but Yossi Benayoun may make an appearance after recovering from a broken rib.

Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira will begin a three-match ban against Liverpool after he accepted a charge from the FA for violent conduct. Vincent Kompany and Carlos Tevez will also be absent for Man City with Tevez back in Argentina due to personal reasons while Kompany is out with a groin injury. Craig Bellamy may make a return against Liverpool after a knee injury although he remains a doubt.

Man City v Liverpool – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Everton vs Man Utd.
Premier League.
Kick off: 12:45 GMT – 20th February 2010.
Stadium: Goodison Park.

Watch Everton take on Man Utd live in a match which could send Manchester United top of the league.

Everton v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Everton vs Manchester United : Preview.

After both sides were triumphant midweek in European competition it is back to reality for Everton and Manchester United as they clash in the Premier League this weekend. In their last Premier League outing Everton managed to get one over on the league leaders Chelsea which will undoubtedly have boosted their confidence going into this match with Man Utd. David Moyes and his team will adopt the attitude that if they can beat Chelsea then there is no reason that they can’t beat Man Utd and quite rightly so.

In their last league encounter Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa which meant that they missed out on the opportunity to go top of the league, however, they won’t want to make that same mistake against Everton this week and as they are coming off the back of a fantastic midweek win against AC Milan i expect a more bullish Man Utd to turn up and face Everton at Goodison Park this weekend.

This fixture is always a rather fiery encounter but to add coal to the fire so to speak, the mere presence of Wayne Rooney will rile up the Everton faithful as the scars left from his departure to Manchester United almost 6 years ago now have not yet properly healed. The last time that Man Utd travelled to Everton it was a rather heated affair with self proclaimed “lifelong Everton supporter” Wayne Rooney taunting the Everton fans by kissing the Man Utd badge. I very much doubt he’ll be forgiven for that in a hurry.

Their recent form may be fantastic but Everton will need to up their game even more if they are to beat Man Utd here. Ability-wise they are capable of taking all three points but psychologically they may be facing an uphill battle from the start. To say that Everton have struggled against Manchester United in recent times would be a massive understatement. The Toffees have won just ONCE against Man Utd in the league over the course of the last 15 years which is something that may just prey on the players minds.

Everton will be without the lanky Marouane Fellaini in midfield as he is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury while fellow midfielder Tim Cahill will have to undergo a late fitness test to see if he is given the green light after suffering a slight calf injury in midweek. If he is declared fit then that will be a massive boost for Everton. Phillipe Senderos is also a doubt due to a back injury.

Man Utd will be hampered by the loss of Rio Ferdinand and Nani to suspension while Ryan Giggs remains out with a fractured arm. One the plus side for Man Utd however, Nemanja Vidic could make his first appearance of 2010 after recovering from nerve damage in his leg.

Trying to pick a winner for this match is tough as both Everton and Man Utd are in good form and high on confidence. Everton have the home advantage, the crowd could play a massive part in this one and i’m sure Everton will push United all the way. However, Manchester United have a massive mental edge over Everton and combined with the form of the likes of Wayne Rooney they are a force to be reckoned with. I fancy them to take the victory.

Everton v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Watch all the highlights from Liverpool vs Unirea Urziceni online in their Europa League 1st leg match.

Liverpool vs Unirea Urziceni.
Europa League.
Thursday 18th February 2010.

Liverpool vs Unirea Urziceni highlights video here after the match.

Watch all the highlights from Porto vs Arsenal online in the 1st leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Porto vs Arsenal.
Champions League.
Wednesday 17th February 2010.

Arsenal have travelled to Porto without a number of first team regulars for their Champions League last 16 tie this Wednesday. William Gallas, Alex Song, Andrey Arshavin are all missing from the Arsenal squad that will face Porto, as are goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and striker Eduardo.

Porto could be forced to face Arsenal without influential playmaker Ruben Micael due to a shoulder injury.

Porto vs Arsenal highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

AC Milan vs Man Utd.
Champions League.
Kick off: 19:45 GMT – 16th February 2010.
Stadium: San Siro.

Watch AC Milan take on Man Utd live in the 1st leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

AC Milan v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

AC Milan vs Manchester United : Preview.

The Champions League is back after a long, excruciating break and what a way for it to return with a mouth watering tie between AC Milan and Man Utd inside the San Siro. It really doesn’t get much more glamourous than this although this fixture has an extra bit of spice added with ex Manchester United supremo David Beckham now sporting the AC Milan shirt. This will be the first time that David Beckham has faced Man Utd since he left the club back in 2003 and it will be interesting to see what he can pull out of the bag against his boyhood club.

In the past AC Milan and Man Utd have met each other four times in European knock out competition with the Milan club winning all four fixtures. This will undoubtedly give AC Milan a certain physcological edge over Man Utd especially for the first leg in the San Siro. That does not neccesarily mean however that AC Milan will be favourites as Man Utd are a quality side and with Wayne Rooney playing the way that he is at the moment you fancy him to win games single handedly most times he steps foot onto the grass.

If you were to look at more recent form in the Champions League then you would have to value Man Utd as the favourites as Manchester United have not lost an away tie in the Champions League since 2007. As a matter of fact that match was in the San Siro against AC Milan in the semi finals. However, this season AC Milan have not won a single match at home in the Champions League so that may be praying on the mind of Leonardo’s players.

In truth it is almost impossible to label a favourite between these two teams as both are highly experienced competitors at this level and both have players who are capable of sparking something special out of nothing.

One downside for Man Utd will be the absence of Nemanja Vidic who is still out with nerve damage in his leg and is yet to feature for Manchester United in 2010. This means that Sir Alex will have to choose from Johnny Evans and Wes Brown to partner Rio Ferdinand in the middle of the Man Utd rear guard. United legend Ryan Giggs will also miss out after fracturing his arm at the weekend so will stay at home along with Vidic as does Anderson who has not made the squad for reasons unknown.

AC Milan v Man Utd – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Watch all the highlights from Chelsea vs Cardiff online in their FA Cup 5th round match.

Chelsea vs Cardiff.
FA Cup.
Saturday 13th February 2010.

Chelsea vs Cardiff highlights video here after the match.

All Goals

Didier Drogba Goal

Michael Chopra Goal

Michael Ballack Goal

Daniel Sturridge Goal

Salomon Kalou Goal

Watch all the highlights from Arsenal vs Liverpool online in their midweek Premier League match.

Arsenal vs Liverpool.
Premier League.
Wednesday 10th February 2010.

Arsenal vs Liverpool highlights video here after the match.

Full Highlights

Chelsea vs Arsenal.
Premier League.
Kick off: 16:00 GMT – 7th February 2010.
Stadium: Stamford Bridge.

Watch Chelsea take on Arsenal live in a must game for Arsenal if they are to challenge Chelsea for the title.

Chelsea v Arsenal – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Chelsea vs Arsenal : Preview.

Undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend sees Chelsea face up against Arsenal in a battle between the two title contenders. Many have labelled this match as a must win for Arsenal against Chelsea if they are to have any chance of winning the title, and to be honest i would agree with that.

Last weeks crushing defeat to United has seen Arsenal fall six points off the pace in the race for the title and to go nine points behind such a strong team as Chelsea would be criminal. The fixture list gods have been cruel to Arsenal forcing them to consecutively face United, Chelsea and Liverpool and if the sequence of results don’t go in their favour then with just these three fixtures, all hopes of a league crown could be blown right out of the water for this season.

Looking back and remembering when Chelsea made the short trip to the Emirates earlier in the season to face Arsenal i fear that the Gunners may be in for another dose of ‘foot up arse’ at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. When they met earlier this season Chelsea simply brushed Arsenal aside and we all know how strong Chelsea are at Stamford Bridge so this really doesn’t bode well for Arsenal.

The main stand-out point in the previous fixture between the two was the far superior strength physically from Chelsea. I can recount numerous occasions when Didier Drogba simply swept Armand Traore out of his way – with not too much effort i might add. If Arsenal are to get anything out of this game then they MUST be more physical. I know it is not the Arsenal way but they were simply bullied by Chelsea back in November and it will happen all over again unless they at least try to match Chelsea in the department.

The return of Abou Diaby would be a massive boost for Arsenal i feel as his stature would certainly give Arsenal that bit more steel and height that they will need in the middle of the park to match the Chelsea midfield. However he remains a doubt with a calf problem and it isn’t a certainty that he will return in time to face Chelsea.

Eduardo looks certain to be absent for Arsenal so this will most likely see Nicklas Bendtner given the nod to start up front after recovering from injury.

With the return of Didier Drogba, Chelsea look really strong. John Obi Mikel has also returned from the African Cup of Nations and should make the squad. The only downer for Chelsea will be the absence of Michael Essien after he picked up an injury while on international duty.

As an admirer of Arsenal and an erm… loather? of Chelsea and Man Utd i would love to see Arsenal win this one and push on for the title. The swapping of the title between Chelsea and United is going stale and too see this young Arsenal side win the league would not only be a massive achievement but incredibly refreshing. That being said i find it very hard to see beyond Chelsea taking all three points. Chelsea look far too physical for Arsenal and with the Stamford Bridge faithful behind them you never fancy Chelsea to lose. 3-1 to Chelsea sounds about right to me.

Chelsea v Arsenal – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Liverpool vs Everton.
Premier League.
Kick off: 12:45 GMT – 6th February 2010.
Stadium: Anfield.

Watch Liverpool take on Everton live in the first Merseyside derby of 2010.

Liverpool v Everton – Watch Live Instantly Here.

Liverpool vs Everton : Preview.

The Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton is one of the biggest fixtures in English football and with both sides looking to climb further up the table this one promises to be an entertaining affair. The problems at Liverpool have been well documented of late however Everton haven’t exactly had the season that they set out for at the start of the campaign either.

In recent weeks both sides have seen an improvement of results and to be honest i really don’t see a clear favourite here. I would say that Everton have perhaps been the side who have played the better football and having claimed 14 points from a possible 18 over the last 6 games proves that they are in top form.

The jury is still out on Rafael Benitez and his Liverpool team despite the Reds having managed also to collect 14 points from a possible 18 since Christmas as the attacking football that Liverpool fans have been spoiled with in the past no longer seems to be there. The foundations which Rafa Benitez has based the recent Liverpool resurgence on has been defence. Liverpool have conceded just once in their last six league encounters. Which is vital considering the lack of a threat they pose going forward without Torres in the side. Once again the unconvincing David N’Gog is likely to be the main striker up front.

To keep the pressure firmly on Rafael Benitez his already lacking in depth Liverpool squad is facing a number of injury problems. The right back position is proving to be a particular problem with Glen Johnson, Philip Degen and Martin Kelly all very unlikely to make the squad which means Jamie Carragher is likely to be moved out of his favoured centre back position to the right again.

One bonus for Liverpool through the unlikely form of injury however is that with Fabio Aurellio struggling for fitness Rafa is being forced to actually field an attacking winger in the shape of Albert Rierra in his place. I was always under the impression that the left wing position was supposed to be occupied by an erm… left winger, rather than a defender but whatever, you know.

Everton will be boosted by the return of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu to the squad after their return from the African Cup thingy however with the pairing of Landon Donovan and Louis Saha working so well for Everton it is likely Yakubu will only make the bench, Joseph Yobo on the other hand may be a contender for a start. But, i tend to go with the old phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” in these situations so i would be slightly surprised if either of them start this weekend at Anfield.

After exploring all avenues trying to pick a winner for this one i have came to the conclusion that it will end in a draw. With Liverpool operationg so strongly as a defensive unit these days it may prove difficult for Evertopn to break them down. Combine this with the lack of a goal threat from Liverpool then a draw is the favourable outcome. I do however predict a couple of goals as after all, it is a derby at the end of the day so something has got to give. 1-1 will be the result, trust me.

Liverpool v Everton – Watch Live Instantly Here.