Liverpool v Man Utd: Anytime Goalscorer Tip

One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season marks the return of the Premier League after a two-week international break. Considering that United have held sway over their bitter rivals for the best part of 20 years, it is surprising to see how well Liverpool have often fared in the one-off encounters. The Reds have won the last three league clashes at Anfield; Kenny Dalglish is actually unbeaten in five matches against the Red Devils, dating back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s first game in charge against Liverpool in 1986!

The scriptwriters have come up with another interesting subplot this time round with Steven Gerrard set to make his first league start since he was injured against United way back on March 6th. The Liverpool captain certainly hasn’t been rushed back to action having first reappeared in the Carling Cup nearly a month ago. Since then there have been a couple of substitute appearances in the league, followed by a further fortnight to build up fitness levels. Gerrard is now primed to resume a starring role, and at 4/1 in the anytime goalscorer market he looks like great value.

The 31-year-old has a long history of scoring in this fixture. He has found the net against United four times in league matches, the most of any current Liverpool player. The prospects of this bet coming in are improved by the trend for spot-kicks in this fixture, and the fact that the captain will surely take any penalties that come Liverpool’s way. Referees have awarded four penalties in the last five clashes between the two sides. Gerrard has converted 24 of the 31 that have come his way during his Anfield career.

With Gerrard needing just one more successful strike to reach 50 league goals at Anfield, the stage appears to be set on Saturday. Ladbrokes offer 12/1 on the Reds captain being first goalscorer; decent odds but with so many potential match-winners on either side I’ll pass that over this time. Instead I’ll go with market-leading odds of 4/1, again with Ladbrokes, on Gerrard scoring at anytime in the match.