Red-hot Sunday ahead as English fiercest rivals lock horns

Decades ago, we all know how a match between bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United could end, and when I say this, it doesn't end nice but nasty. 

That's how intense it was back then. It was all about which team outclassed the other for maximum points, and of course, the one that walks away with swag at the end of the final whistle. 

These days, it is just sad to no longer witness the intensity, blood-thirsty attitude to win the ball, outrageous tackles, 100 per cent commitment that players in the past had. 

I am a die-hard Liverpool fan, and honestly speaking, I have seen my team at their worst and best forms in the past, but till today, I still feel extreme and irregular bowel movement when they play Manchester United. 

That's the exact situation right now! Honestly speaking, I would buy a ticket and watch Liverpool lose to West Ham United, but not against Manchester United. I believe this applies to ardent fans out there, you know how I feel. 

Now, that's why rival games are different. We can't deny that when the English Premier League releases the list of fixtures for the new season, we immediately search for the matches against our rival teams. 

And I don't know why, or is it just me feeling this way, Liverpool always end up locking horns with Man United in late October every year. This has been a trend, at least in the last few seasons. That's okay with me, so long as they don't play on my birthday. Can't afford to be visiting the toilet more often on my big day

In the past, when we had players like Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Michael Owen, who were enjoying prime days in the league, you know that you not only have a stadium-filled with electrifying fans, but even the commentators would equally embrace the moment. 

The modern-day rival games has had little to offer, and frankly speaking, the hype has relatively faded in recent campaigns. 

Thanks to players like Mo Salah, Mane, Robertson, Van Dijk and Allison, I could somehow still feel the passion when they play Man United. 

You can be a world-class player, but if you lack passion, which is considerably the most important trait when playing a rival team, you are not in my list!

Well, I have nothing much to complaint about the modern-day game because Liverpool have been different these days, playing slicky and solid football. 

We had a bunch of talented players many years ago, but they were all unable to break the 30-year curse. 

Then, Klopp happened. Man, what a difference maker he has been so far. Transforming a mediocre Liverpool squad into a Champions League winning team and of course, how could I forget, ending the three decades of agony to claim the English Premier League medal. 

Anyways, about this Sunday's clash, Liverpool are certainly the favourites but I am so not prepared to write off United's chances in this one. 

Can we see Salah celebrate like this again on Sunday?

Come on, it's Old Trafford, and with Ronaldo's return, this is going to be a spicy one. 

But, surprisingly, United's home and away matches in the league in the past few games were poor, and Solksjaer's 'Ole out' campaign is back among unhappy fans. 

They say trust the process, but it looks like their fans are having a tough time trusting Solksjaer at the moment. Despite the popular campaign that has claimed its spot on social media lately, looks like the Scottish might just be able to stick to the chair with the backing of the management. 

If Sunday's match is to be the decider over Ole's career at United, then chances are deeply slim for Liverpool of nicking this. You all know why. They are certainly going to put their hearts, souls, kidneys, livers to win this. 

Meanwhile, it is great seeing Liverpool back at their actual best. This is the Liverpool I know. Boy oh boy, what a result in Madrid last week. 

I was never over the defeat we suffered at the hands of Atletico two seasons ago. Revenge is indeed sweet. Salah again at it. The Egyptian looks hungrier, sharper and extremely clinical in front of goal. 

The front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino, who went missing for the most of last season, are now back and kicking asses again. 

Despite having found their regular goal-scoring boots again, I still have to thank Van Dijk because it was his long-awaited return from injury that has made all the difference. 

He's such a huge influence on and off the field for the Reds. Although it was rather a quiet transfer window for Liverpool, Klopp seems confident that with the same squad he has now, winning trophies is not mission impossible. 

Sunday's showdown with United is a very important fixture as Chelsea and Manchester City are racing close for top spot. 

Chelsea will look to maintain their top spot when Norwich visits the bridge for an early kick-off today, while City will look to overcome Brighton in a late fixture at midnight. 

Liverpool, let's do this! You'll Never Walk Alone. 

Messi opens goal-scoring account for PSG in dramatic style

Although it took Lionel Messi several games before finding his goal-scoring boots for PSG, it was all worth the wait because the way he bagged his first for the French giants was absolutely amazing. 

Since his free transfer from FC Barcelona in August this year, Messi started a few games but failed to find the net in all the occasions, but it wasn't the case against Manchester City during the Champions League group stage match on Tuesday. 

Getting on the scoresheet is not a uncommon act by the Argentine, who went on to break multiple goal-scoring records during his spell at Barcelona, but it certainly was a special moment for Leo when he broke his duck for PSG against a rather stubborn Manchester City. 

Leo is clearly still a magician, and of course, still has what it takes to be one of the best in the world. When he's on the ball, no way defenders should go to sleep but all eyes on him. If you take your eyes off him even for a second, the next thing you know, he would have smashed the ball into the net and reeling away in delight. 

Against City, he was a major threat to the defenders, and it was further headache for the back four when you not only have Messi, but Neymar and Mbappe biting on your neck. 

It was very exciting to see him on the scoresheet, that too in Leo's most favourite style, sprinting in pure pace, pulled out a one-two with Mbappe, and then BOOM, goal!!!

That second goal by Messi showed how vulnerable even one of the best back fours' in the world can be. 

Even City's standing keeper, Ederson, was caught ball watching when the ball flew to the top left-hand corner. You simply don't stop such shots, that often drives into the net with maximum pace and clean placing. 

Messi is an expert at making even world's best defenders or goalkeepers look average on the field. His vision, quick thinking and outrageous skills are some elements that doesn't come with scripts. It just happens. Either you embrace it or live with it. 

Can PSG finally bag the Champions League trophy this season with the arrival of Messi? As much as they have spent handsomely in the past on Mbappe and Messi, they did the otherwise this season on the arrivals of Messi, Wijnaldum, Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Donnarumma. 

Despite the all-star squad that PSG has, it still remains a doubt if they can do it this time around, even with the likes of Messi around. 

I can't think of a better person than Leeds United manager, Marcelo Bielsa, as he previously said that what makes football beautiful is that even the smallest team in any league can beat the greatest team you ever know. 

Big-money clubs like PSG and Manchester City, who are yet to win the Champions League, will be racing to do it this time around, but it won't be as easy with many equally strong teams competing for the top prize this season. 

Show-stopper Ronaldo is back and making headlines again

Ronaldo celebrating in front of the fans. 

It was a day to remember for all the Manchester United fans on Sept 11, 2021 as their homeboy, idol and long-gone main man, Cristiano Ronaldo made a spectacular return by scoring two goals on his second debut for the team that was responsible for the latter's resounding success in modern day football. 

Boy oh boy. What a time to be alive. First, it was Messi who made a sensational move to PSG, and now Ronaldo. 

Old Trafford has always been home for Ronaldo, and quite frankly, last night's performance was just a glimpse of what the 36-year-old can still do to inflict pain on the opponent team. 

Although in late 30s, he is a living proof that age is just a number. A man with such dedication, commitment and desire, it was no surprise to see him pull of a decent performance against the Magpies.

Last night, it was the Red Devils against Newcastle United, but the atmosphere in the stadium gave a different feeling. 

It felt as though United were playing Liverpool in a Champions League Final. The response was staggering and fever-pitch! 

What a way to mark your second debut, that too at the Stratford End, bagging a brace and sealing it with his iconic SIUUUUUU celebration! 

It was never in my wildest dreams that I thought Ronaldo would make a return to the Premier League, but it happened. What a fitting way for him now to retire at the club that defined him as a world-class player. 

Starring as a United player once again after over a decade, Ronaldo was no stranger at the dressing room and when he walked out of the tunnel to a stunning reception by the fans. 

There were rumours and speculations of the next club he would head to after announcing his exit from Italian giants, Juventus. 

Having previously played in the Portuguese, English and Spanish league, the lad had a rather unconvincing spell at Juventus, which clearly could have sparked his interest to leave the club. 

Before United, Manchester City entered the frame and the once Redman was tipped for a move to the opposite side of Manchester, but City showed least interest and of course, it would have been a crime to see Ronaldo in a blue jersey than a red one. 

As the saying goes, 'once a red, always a red'. Now, that's a fitting scenario to describe CR7's return to United. 

Sources claimed that Alex Ferguson, the man who played an incredibly important role in Ronaldo's footballing career, once again entered the scene to influence the Portuguese star to move to the top-flight English club. 

The return of the King forced Manchester United to make several changes, starting with the immediate sale of Daniel James to Leeds United, allowing Edinson Cavani to take over his shirt number (21). 

This was solely done to hand over the famous number 7 jersey to the man who made all the difference while wearing it many years ago. 

Many United greats in the past have held the number 7, such as George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. 

Among these greats, Ronaldo's return has undoubtedly scripted another milestone in his impressive portfolio, as he becomes the first player in a United shirt to wear the number 7 jersey for the second time. 

We've seen many top class players who have played alongside or against Ronaldo in the past. To name a few, Zinedine Zidane (when Portugal and France met during international games), Andre Pirlo (when Ronaldo was at Real Madrid) and even Solksjaer (when both played together at United). 

Guess what. These three former players have or are now coaching teams, while Ronaldo, with tank full of energy, is still kicking ass on the field. 

His longevity is simply insane! 

Although his first goal for the Devils after returning was rather a simple tap in, his second was a quick reminder of the pace and clinical finishing he still possesses. 

That burst on the left following a pitch perfect pass from Luke Shaw was wrapped up in a goal more similar of his style, driving it hard pass in between the keeper's legs. 

As much as I am a Ronaldo fan, I have fears too. This is because if he moves at this ferocious momentum for the rest of the season, it's bad news for the immediate competitors in the league, including Liverpool. 

Can't wait for the day when Ronaldo will meet our tower of defence in Virgil Van Dijk. That will be some game to watch. 

Dark days as pressure mounts at Liverpool FC

The unprecedented situation of Covid-19 pandemic has halted the world economy on an unimaginable scale, robbing millions of lives across the world, and it could have possibly impacted football players as well along the way. 

Well, as a die-hard Liverpool, I am not trying to look for an excuse to describe my team's worst start to the EPL campaign ever since Klopp took over, but I strongly believe the pandemic has a mitigating effect on the players performances. 

After enjoying a couple of spectacular seasons under Klopp, winning the Champions League after 14 years and Super Cup in 2019, and ending the 30-year drought of winning the English Premier League title in 2020, Liverpool, who seemingly got off to a great start this campaign (2020/2021), now find themselves in fourth place and six points behind, well I hate to say this, current league leaders Manchester United. 

Well, what's funny is that, just a run of few poor games in the start of 2021, many have described Klopp as a 'one season wonder', not realising it was this man who brought immeasurable happiness when he lifted the EPL title after almost three decades. It was this man who lifted the Champions League trophy for the club after almost 14 years of wait. 

The criticism and illogical remarks by haters, never for a second, can deny the type of professionalism and caliber this man carries, and of course, the much-needed depth the team had been longing for all these years. 

I mean, come on, Klopp has seen it all, When he first took over the Reds in 2015, he had already lost several major cup finals such as the clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League final in 2018, Europa League final to Sevilla in 2017 and a few more. 

What's unbelievably amazing about Klopp is that, despite downfalls, he doesn't lose the spirit and only gets hungrier each time, and it clearly mirrors his relationship with the players. 

Look guys, the season is far from over, we're just midway through, but yes, it won't be as easy as how it was last season, where we took off in top gear and went clear more than 10 points of second placed Manchester City. There is still hope, Klopp will slowly but surely bounce back. 

Separately, it is notable that Mo Salah has clearly lost his scoring ability, most of the time kicking the ball at players instead of behind the net. As a player who lacks creativity, at least he should be making extra efforts to contain the ball and make quick passes when needed, and not fry too long, which eventually opens the gate for the opponent team defenders to intervene. 

Salah's other drawback, which is something that is quite unacceptable for a very long time now, his failure to look for his fellow teammates when they would actually be in a clear goal-scoring scene than him. 

Previously, we have seen Mane who reacted angrily in one of the league matches when Salah did not pass him the ball, in which he could scored before being substituted. 

Mo is a great player, can be considered as a lethal finisher, but once you start eating the entire meal all by yourself, you are only leaving room for hatred and bad impression among your teammates. 

Mane, meanwhile, is probably one of the few players at Liverpool that has retained a good form this season, despite making goals count. His ability of controlling the ball and tireless efforts are some of the key elements that makes him one of the best forwards in the world now. 

Firmino, on the other hand, has been firing blanks more frequently between the other two, but he still remains one of Klopp's favourite for obvious reasons (outrageous skills at times and vision). 

After losing Virgil Van Dijk who suffered a horrific injury through a clash with Pickford in the Merseyside Derby last year, Fabinho stepped in and has proven to be instrumental while the big Dutchman is absent. Van Dijk is currently going through rehabilitation, and the signs are very encouraging as he could potentially make an early return than scheduled. 

It has been a season filled with ups and downs so far, especially losing some key players through injuries, but what's more important is that, we need to stay intact and in no time, our team will bounce back. 

We've gone through greater storms, and am sure we can go through this too! 

YNWA