A Perfect Win

Manchester United were no match to Liverpool as far as their latest meeting is concerned. Liverpool came from behind to win a well deserved 2-1 win over Manchester United. Liverpool started with Gerrard and Torres both on the bench. They got behind right in the third minute into play. Two debutantes from either side (Riera for Liverpool and Berbatov for Manchester United) left something to look for in future. Berbatov set an early goal for Tevez who was completely missed by Mascherano, that gave them lead in style. On the other side, Riera played really good football at the left wing putting on decent crosses at times. With a couple of mistakes from goalkeeper Van Der Saar, Manchester got a little bit unlucky to have conceded an own goal through Wes Brown. The game ended levelled at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

The second half began with Liverpool putting pressure right from the beginning. Couple of chances created by ManU went pegging with the likes of a 5 yard effort from Tevez and a long range effort by Paul Scholes. Rafa had no choice but to send Gerrard on field in the 68th minute who changed the game literally by troubling the defense. Then came the super substitute Ryan Babel in the 72nd minute to replace Riera. Within minutes after entering the field, Kuyt set a nice goal to Babel who in turn struck so confidently that the ball had no destination except the back of the net. This was a perfect reply and a replica to what Manchester United had produced in the 3rd minute of the first half to take the lead. This time it was Liverpool's turn to take the lead.

Referee had no choice except to send Vidic off with second yellow card, after a harsh challenge over Alonso in the 90th minute. The game ended with 2-1 scoreline, Liverpool winning and climbing to the top of the table with 10 points. Chelsea are visiting Manchester City later tonight and if they lose or draw the game, Liverpool will be on the top for at least a week.

The Clash

As the day has come, Liverpool have some good news. In a press conference, Benitez revealed that Gerrard and Torres both have made good progress and will be on the squad. When asked about whether they will play or not, he replied that when they are in squad they are there to play. This might have surprised many at Old Trafford as they were expecting them not to be available and even Liverpool FC fans were disappointed earlier when Gerrard ruled himself out of the clash. But however, they are in the squad and that's a good news not only to Liverpool FC fans but to every football fan willing to watch a quality game. Liverpool vs Manchester United is a big game and without big players from both sides, it won't be good enough, though Chritiano Ronaldo and Hargreaves will not be playing from the other side. 30 million pound Berbatov will probably make his debut at Anfield and provide more options to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Troubled Liverpool

Steven Gerrard will not be playing against Manchester United on Saturday after he confirmed himself unfit for the clash. Fernando Torres is also highly unlikely to be ready for the game because of the hamstring tear which could take some more weeks to bring him on field. This has left Benitez to manage his team without the 'amazing duo'. Liverpool clearly will have to play Keane and Kuyt/Babel up front and will probably introduce Reira to the Premier League on the left wing. The midfield will have Xabi Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun/Lucas and El Zhar who will come on as a substitute as he has been successful in giving impressive performances. The defense will be managed by Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Arbeloa/Hyypia and Dossena and probably Benitez will send in Aurelio in the second half. Pepe Reina has always been Number 1 ever since he came in even though his jersey is numbered 25. He will be very busy this Saturday as Manchester United will have Rooney, Tevez and probably Berba putting pressure up front. Liverpool have not beaten Manchester United under Benitez and a win on Saturday would be the greatest reward to him.

Big Money Big Names

As soon as Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) took over Manchester City from Thaksin Sinawatra, a wind of revolution has been felt in the Premier League. The Light Blues have emerged as the new contender if not for the Premier League title, definitely for the Champions League position next season. This does not only mean that they have a chance of playing the Champions League next season, but also signifies that one of the top-four clubs (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool) will not be playing the Champions League next season. With their desire to build the very best team on the planet, they are seeking to attract big names in football with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Michael Essien, Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka and so on with the immediate interest in Steven Gerrard and Michael Essien in the coming winter. Having already beaten Chelsea in signing Robinho from Real Madrid for 32 Million Pounds mega deal, it seems that as long as you can spend, you can do anything. After all, money matters everywhere and football is no exception.

Riise's Open Letter to Fans

After his seven years career at Anfield, Riise joined Roma. However, his open letter to fans proves that he will be and will always be accepted by his fans as a true Red forever.

“Dear fans of Liverpool FC,

“After seven seasons at Anfield, it's time for me to "walk on". In many ways it feels inspiring and exciting to be familiar with the pressure of a new employer, meet new fans, meet a new culture and play a new kind of football. I look forward to this new adventure, but I travel with a loss.

“Because, it's not easy for me to leave you - the world's best supporters! I've been thinking about this almost every day this summer. After seven wonderful seasons, and more than 340 matches for Liverpool, I never had the opportunity to make a real and proper goodbye with you - the world's most motivating fans. You have always supported me and the team and I want you all to know how important you've been to me and the other players.

“I've been giving my "thank you" to the club, the staff and the players and they'll always have a special place in my heart. And this is my thank-you letter to all the fans out there that have been supporting me during these years. I will follow the team closely from Italy and will stay in touch with many of the players and many of my friends in Liverpool.

“With respect to the many hundreds of great moments I have experienced in red, it will be unfair to draw up one highlight rather than another. There has always been the highlight of wearing the red shirt at Anfield. It's always been a privilege to have the initials LFC on the space closest to the heart. As you all know I was a player who always, no matter what, gave 110 per cent in every training session and every game. I always tried to give you the entertainment you deserved. Even in the bad moments you were there for me and the team.

“To play in front of the red crowd, every minute has been a privilege. Even after my unfortunate own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi last April - where all our dreams were crushed - I felt the support and sympathies from you as real and important. When I signed seven years ago, I couldn't in my wildest dreams expect the journey you all gave me. I will always be grateful for that. A big thank-you to you all.

“I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such great importance for these great matches and great moments. Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new team - AS Roma. I hope you will continue to follow my career.

“Therefore, I do not say goodbye, but so long. Arrivederci - Walk on!

Sincerely,
John Arne Riise
"The ginger".

Torres too!!!

Liverpool are awarded with yet another blow. Torres is out with hamstring injury and will miss games that are crucial with the likes of next fixture with Manchester United. The previous game with Aston Villa ended in a goalless draw without Torres and Gerrard and they are visiting Old Trafford probably without these players again. Liverpool are vying to score in every match but are not being able to score with some genuine chances created by themselves. At this stage, the question arises that have Liverpool spent wisely enough this time to be able to remain in the title chase? They're not looking any better.