It would certainly solve the handshake dilemma…
Not since John Terry came face to face with Wayne Bridge, has there been so much attention on a pre-match handshake.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez will meet Patrice Evra for the first time since Suarez completed his eight-game ban for racially abusing the Frenchman.
Suarez has been busy in recent days, speaking to the media in his homeland, criticising Evra for speaking out.
“What happens on the pitch should stay on the pitch,” he is reported to have said.
It sounds like something which could have come out of Sepp Blatter’s mouth.
Suarez will certainly be fired up for Saturday. He was when he came on against Tottenham, and another referee would have sent him off for kicking Scott Parker in the stomach.
With the Old Trafford crowd sure to give him a tough time, it will only fire him up further.
Is it therefore more sensible for Kenny Dalglish to start Suarez on the bench in case he over-compensates and ends up getting sent off?
Andy Carroll has improved of late, and gave United’s defence a tricky time at Anfield. The option of using him is not as backwards as it may seem.
Dalglish has given no indication that he plans to bench Suarez, but he is not one to reveal his plans. He has said Suarez will shake Evra’s hand before the game if he starts, but it will certainly be a tense moment.
The pair cannot avoid each other forever, they will likely have several on-pitch clashes over the coming seasons, but right now the matter is still raw.
The same question can be put to Sir Alex, should he leave Evra on the bench?
But this is not going to happen, Evra is not the one who has missed eight games and may be lacking match fitness. Ferguson also had no qualms about sending him out at Anfield.
Suarez may have more impact coming off the bench when the United defenders legs are tiring.
It is just an option open to Dalglish, which would spare his striker more spotlight.
We think the Liverpool manager will probably start his attacker though, what do you think he should do?
image: © wonker
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
