Old rivals face off in Malaysia as title race hots up in England
Teammates last week in Singapore, and ‘bitter rivals’ in Malaysia – that describes Manchester United and Liverpool legends who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
They are a part of the ‘Battle of the Reds’ match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 27. Former England striker Teddy Sheringham will captain the Manchester Reds, with ex-England goalkeeper David James leading the Liverpool Reds.
“We played together last week in Singapore, but when we arrived here, we were segregated into different rooms, so the rivalry is real,” said Sheringham.
James quipped: “We lost the game to Singapore Legends last week because the Manchester United boys let us down! So, we have to beat United in Malaysia.”
James was referring to the match between the English Premier League Legends and Singapore Legends at Our Tampines Hub on April 21, which the Singaporeans won 4-2.
Manchester United and Liverpool have the two biggest followings in the world, and none more passionate than in Malaysia.
And that is something Sheringham and James are looking forward to on Saturday.
When asked who the fans and his team should look out for, Sheringham replied: “John Arne Riise. In Singapore last week, he played like a 25-year-old, running up and down the left side and unleashing shots. Our players will have to keep an eye out for him.”
James was asked the same question and replied that he feared his old teammate, Wes Brown, but added: “They are all dangerous ... but we are going to spank them!”
The winner of the match will receive a pewter Championship Trophy.
The tournament’s organisers have also pledged to contribute 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of 376 tickets – each valued at RM108 – to support Persatuan WeCareJourney, a local organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by spinal muscular atrophy and other disabilities.
Tickets are selling fast.
Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered a potential setback in the Premier League title race after losing 2-0 to Everton midweek.
As it stands, Arsenal leads the table with 77 points from 34 games, three more than third-placed Liverpool. Manchester City, looking to become the first English team to win the title for four consecutive seasons, is second on 76 points, having played 33 matches.
Liverpool would need a miracle to hand Jurgen Klopp the perfect going-away present, but its form has been woeful for the past month, and it looks likely to end the season in third place.
The race for the final Champions League spot is between Aston Villa and Tottenham. The Midlands club is fourth on 66 points, with Tottenham fifth on 60, but with two games in hand.
At the other end of the table, Sheffield United could be the first team to be relegated if it loses to Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest pulls off an unlikely win over Manchester City.
Battle of the Reds
SATURDAY
Manchester Reds vs Liverpool Reds (8.45pm)
Manchester Reds: Dwight Yorke, David May, Wes Brown, Clayton Blackmore, Keith Gillespie, Ben Thornley, Eric Djemba Djemba, Paul Rachubka, Russell Beardsmore, Lee Martin, Danny Webber, Mikael Silvestre, Quinton Fortune, Dimitar Berbatov, Erik Nevland, Dion Dublin, Teddy Sheringham.
Liverpool Reds: David James, Emile Heskey, Glen Johnson, John Arne Riise, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Steve McManaman, Jason McAteer, Florent Sinama, John Durnin, David Thompson, Jermaine Pennant, Djibril Cisse, Phil Babb, Luis Garcia.
EPL Fixtures (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
West Ham vs Liverpool (7.30pm)
Wolves vs Luton (10pm)
Fulham vs Crystal Palace (10pm)
Newcastle vs Sheffield United (10pm)
Manchester United vs Burnley (10pm)
SUNDAY
Everton vs Brentford (12.30am)
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (3am)
Bournemouth vs Brighton (9pm)
Tottenham vs Arsenal (9pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (11.30pm)
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