A New Meaning to the English El Clasico

A New Meaning to the English El Clasico
Liverpool v Manchester Utd
by Wong Yang and Oliver Gui

Liverpool have yet to grab their first league win of their season under Brendan Rodgers, but their 5 goals against Swiss club Young Boys in the Europa League shone a light of hope on Anfield, though the 3 goals they conceded gives their defence much to think about. Now in the lower echelons of the Premier League table, the Reds would record a pivotal win should they trump United. However, Liverpool seem to be without a trump card. United, on the other hand, are without striker Wayne Rooney and winger Ashley Young. Darren Fletcher, who came on as a substitute in the Champions League win over Galatasaray in midweek having recovered from a chronic bowel condition, is not being considered for a return to the starting line-up with Sir Alex Ferguson instead focusing on next Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash with Newcastle.

With Robin van Persie now wearing the red of Manchester, the Devils have a tested sniper up front. Van Persie has scored 4 goals in his past 5 appearances against Liverpool.


Credits: Ian Hodgson

Both clubs have done all they can to silence the songs of hate and chants of rancor, and they agreed on a truce, or as Sir Alex Ferguson called it, the ending of a "beyond the pale" animosity. In a day where violence between fan have become a part of the sport, this occasion may prove that fans can live in harmony. Liverpool's first opponent since the Hillsborough Independent Panel released their report on the falsehoods committed after the disaster, ninety-six balloons will be released in memory of the victims. This, after last year's fiasco between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez, whereby the United player accused Suarez of racially abusing him.
Brendan Rodgers grew up a kid in Northern Ireland, and at 13, saw Ferguson take over at Old Trafford. "This is a game I have grown up with," commenting that he tuned in to every game between the two clubs. Come Sunday night, he will experience the great tension and rivalry at the helm for the first time.

Credits: Darren Staples

The game, year by year, attracts the highest television audience in the Premier League, never losing its lustre. Millions will be watching. Millions will be listening. Newbies to football, experiencing the classic game for the first time. Die-hards, who have followed their club through wind and rain, once again cancelling all appointments to catch the fixture. Let's show the world that this sport can unite. No jeers, but cheers when the 96 balloons are released. Let's add a new definition to this classic. As David Conn of The Guardian puts it, "it's time to give Hillsborough a positive legacy, and football its soul.

Liverpool v Manchester United (noun)
1. A classic because of the battle between two sides of talented players.
2. A classic because of the high tension surrounding the game.
3. (added 23/9/2012) A classic because of the respect between the two clubs and their fans.