This guy makes Mike Dean look like a sound bloke!

Liverpool v Manchester United is a dream tie for the Europa League. It’s a clash of two English heavyweights who share a powerful mutual hatred.

Arguably, this two-legged contest trumps anything that this season’s Champions League has served up to date – it is certainly much more exciting that Zenit v Benfica, which concluded last night, or Wolfsburg v Gent, which is next Tuesday’s offering.

Liverpool v United at Anfield very rarely disappoints.

While most European ties – especially the first legs – are often tight and tense tactical affairs, this promises to bring to the relentless aggression and pace of the Premier League to the continental arena.

Don’t think for a second that either of these two sides are going to give anything less than 100% tonight.

The only thing that could ruin this evening’s game would be a card-happy jobsworth of a referee.

Step forward, Carlos Velasco Carballo.

Mr Carballo, who will be in charge at Anfield, has dished out 74 yellow cards and six reds in his last 12 matches!

Considering the last 22 games between Liverpool and United – all of which have been officiated by British refs – have resulted in 10 red cards, the chances of Mr Carballo allowing tonight’s game to finish 11 v 11 seem pretty slim!

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