Normally, the third round of the Capital One cup does not really provide that much interest for fans. This season however is slightly different. That is because of one draw – Manchester United v Liverpool. Not perhaps one that fans of either side would have wanted.
Most clubs take the competition with a pinch of salt, but David Moyes will not want to get knocked out of the cup at Old Trafford after losing to his old adversaries in the league. With that in mind, here are five things we are watching out for ahead of the undisputed tie of the third round.
Who will recover quickest? – Liverpool finally lost their unbeaten record on the weekend, but that was nothing compared to the disaster suffered by Manchester United. Getting drubbed by their local rivals and title contenders will not go down well with fans or the players. A huge amount of pressure is now on David Moyes. Losing to Liverpool will not be an option for United.
Injury watch – Liverpool are without Phillipe Coutinho, who will be a huge loss to them. The extra spark and pace that the little wizard provides will be a massive miss at Old Trafford. United have their own injury problems with Robin Van Persie failing to start the Manchester Derby but it is Rodgers who will really sweating over the fitness of his players. The third round of the cup would usually be an occasion to rest players – not this time.
Revenge – To be treated to not one, but two clashes between two of England’s biggest clubs so early in the season is mouth watering. It is made all the better by the intense rivalry between the two clubs, not to mention the Liverpool victory over United just a couple of weeks ago. David Moyes will not want to lose another game against the Reds – especially at home. The fact that it comes after the Manchester Derby debacle only places further pressure on Moyes.
How seriously will the competition be taken? – The cup can be re-branded as much as it wants – Carling or Capital One, it will still be known as the Mickey Mouse Cup by most fans. The two domestic cups are Liverpool's best chance of success this season. That being said, both sides are expected to play a much stronger side than usual in the third round of the cup. We could however see Belgian youngster Adnan Januzaj (above).
Luis Suarez – Liverpool’s very own answer to Hannibal the Cannibal will be back after a lengthy ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Suarez is controversial at the best of times, but to make his return to the side against Manchester United? Expect fireworks. There will be a baptism of fire for Suarez at Old Trafford make no mistake. What a return it would be if he scored in his first game back. At Old Trafford. To knock United out of the competition.
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