The Lahore Tribune

Just escaping the turmoil that appears to be the order of the day in Pakistani news these days, for a bit of excitement in the world of UK Premier League soccer. As we approach the end of March, the title (Champions of England!) starts to heat up as may be evidenced with Grand Slam Sunday where Manchester United host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford and in London, Chelsea and Arsenal will lock horns.

All four clubs need the points.

United to maintain a three point lead at the top of the table, Arsenal to get equal on points at the top of the table, Chelsea to try and get onto the same points position as Arsenal and Liverpool, to make the lucrative fourth spot.

Liverpool have taken one point from seven league games against United so will be ultra-cautious.

Liverpool have done really well to close the gap at the top but they are not going to overhaul all three clubs still ahead of them.

Their target is to secure fourth place. And with Everton still breathing down their necks, they cannot afford to ease up.

Here is a breakdown of tomorrow’s crunch clash:

DEFENCE: So much praise is given to United’s attack that the fact they have the best defence in the country (Ed note: England) is overlooked.

Just 15 goals conceded in 30 league games is a terrific record and so much of that is down to the partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Vidic is so strong while Rio is playing the best football of his career.

He has always had great ability but now he is tougher, more focused and means business.

Because United spend so much of the game attacking, their defence doesn’t have a lot to do. But they need to be alert and in position to deal with quick counter-attacks. They generally are.

Liverpool will do everything to keep Cristiano Ronaldo out wide because they would prefer him crossing than coming into the middle and shooting.

Owen Hargreaves is probably United’s only defensive midfielder and even he is having to rein in his attacking tendencies to give the team balance.

Ronaldo will switch wings throughout the game and I would not be surprised if Anderson gets the nod over Paul Scholes.

Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso will both play deep to protect their back four, while Dirk

Kuyt and John Arne Riise will be expected to track back to help look after Ronaldo.

Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez are the most potent attacking force in the business. Sixty goals between them this season proves that.

Those three are the reason United will win the title again.

It’s a shame for Liverpool that they have only just settled on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as their front two. If they had played together all season I’m sure they would be much closer to the top of the table.

But what a weekend we have in store. I hope you will have the opportunity to watch the games as these are season defining.