NOW that the Roy Hodgson’s mighty England have moved to one side, the Premier League returns this weekend and there is no question what the headline act is going to be.
Liverpool, hot on the heels of Arsenal at the summit of the table, make the short trip across Stanley Park on Saturday lunchtime to face Merseyside rivals Everton in one of the most high profile derbies of the past decade.
Over the years the red and blue halves of Merseyside have witnessed captivating contests between Moyes and Benitez, Smith and Houllier, Kendall and Dalglish and Shankly and Catterick but the 2013/2014 Premier League campaign provides the supporters of two of England’s biggest clubs the opportunity to embrace a new managerial rivalry – Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez.
The two ex-Swansea bosses go toe-to-toe as managers of their current clubs for the first time on Saturday afternoon.
With both sides starting their seasons off commendably, there is an argument that this particular Merseyside Derby is one of the biggest this side of the millennium. Nearly a third of the way into the season and with Liverpool and Everton sitting second and sixth respectively, a win would mean much more than just three points.
An Everton victory would take them level on points with Liverpool and, if results go their way, back into the top four. On the other hand, success for Liverpool would open up a six-point gap on their neighbours and also heap yet more pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.
The current crop of players that Liverpool and Everton have at their disposal are conceivably the strongest squads that Merseyside has seen for a while. Having said that, Liverpool’s recent record against Everton is one that suggests that they will go into this match as favourites. Liverpool have seven wins in their past thirteen meetings with Everton, with the Blues only managing one victory in that same period.
Remarkably, in the past ten years, Everton have won only three Premier League fixtures against Liverpool. Nevertheless, as we well know, form goes out of the window in derby matches and only the boldest of fans will try to predict what will happen come Saturday.
So, where will the 221st Merseyside Derby be won and lost?
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Both sides have defended solidly during this campaign and can boast the joint third best defensive record (eleven goals in ten games) in the Premier League. However, Liverpool have managed clean sheets in just 20% of away games, whereas Everton have forced their opposition to draw blanks in 60% of their matches at Goodison Park. That fact suggests that this game is likely to be decided by no more than the odd goal. Nevertheless, Liverpool have scored twenty-one times in their eleven fixtures so far, and, compared to Everton’s fourteen, the stats are in the Reds favour.
As for key players, the stand-out star for Everton is an obvious choice in the shape of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. Everton’s top goalscorer will provide Martin Skrtel with, physically, his toughest test of what has been an outstanding campaign so far for the Slovakian. Whether it be Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho or Kolo Toure to partner Skrtel, the centre-back pair will have their hands full with the on-loan Chelsea forward.
Liverpool have a great chance to pick up all three points if they are able to neutralise the threat that Lukaku offers, ensuring he remains anonymous for large parts of the match. Everton’s other main attacking threats, Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar, are both out of form and will need the atmosphere of a Merseyside Derby to boost their spirits if they are to inspire the Blues to victory. Everton’s relatively new central midfield partnership, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy have an excellent range of passing and the likes of Lucas and Steven Gerrard will have to get on top of that issue and take full control of possession in the middle of the park. Failure to do so could lead to a game spent on the back foot.
In the Liverpool camp, the front three of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez is enough to give any defenders a nightmare and, as conspicuous as it sounds, that trio will be essential if the Reds are to come away with the win. Everton have an impressive core to their side and Tim Howard is a Premier League veteran with as much experience as any ‘keeper in the league. Just in front of him sits Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin – a renowned partnership packed with power, pace and proficiency. However, with both Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines susceptible to attacking bursts, the penetration that will potentially come from Liverpool counter attacks may be enough to provide Brendan Rodgers’ side with a few vital goals.
Often sloppy and negative, the way in which the teams will set up suggests to me that there will be goals in this match. The aforementioned counter attacking play from the Reds, coupled with Everton’s threat from set pieces, means that the fans should be in for an entertaining encounter. One thing is for sure, the Merseyside Derby is notorious for its lack of discipline and the team that keeps the most players on the pitch will have a much better chance of taking the spoils.
Having said that, the passion and desire to win that engulfs all local derbies often spills over. Not always a magnificent spectacle, Saturday’s match is set up to buck that trend and provide a glimpse of what Merseyside has to offer on the Premier League front.
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My only concern is who plays d LB position.I dont want Johnson 2 b moved 2 LB and also dont want 2 c JH at RB.We need JH’s energy at d middle of the park 2 hassle Neverton’s midfielders.Allen is 2 soft 2 me.
I think the same team against Fulham would I’ve gill backs enough cover, leave cissokho more defensive where he is better and allow Hendersons energy to counteract Coutinho drifting. I’m worried about Sturridge though and he may need a rest after this. Don’t think he’ll make 90minutes.
am afraid mirralas wld deal with cissoko. i think we shld play sacko as left back in 442 that can easily interchange to 352 cos of glen johnson. my team is
mignolet,
johnson-skrtel-agger-sacko,
hendason-lucas-stevie-coutinho,
sturridge-suarez.
this way our midfield will still be packed cos glen wld cover some space when hendo isnt in position (which he wld be doing a lot) to make it a 352 while agger can always help out a bit in covering for lucas nd gerrard. sacko nd skrtel’s duty wld be not to allow lukaku or any one else get near the box. and if we have to make a change, it should be victor moses for daniel sturridge in a 451 formation with moses moving to the right wing, the point man being luis suarez. get well soon JOSE. YNWA
Cissokho is a better option at LB than Sakho,Cissokho only needs to improve his tracking back and positional awareness.But the truth is he is not good to compare Enrique but surely better than Johnson,Agger and Sakho at LB.
Liverpool is still waiting for updates on Gerrard and Sturridge fitness for this game. Agree with everyone that this is one important game that Liverpool can’t afford to drop points. Aly is still not ready for this this sort of derby game. BR might have to use Flanangan as left back. Allen might be in the game. This game BR should use 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 . Lets hope that Gerrard and Sturridge is fit for this game.
Plz jst nid 3 pointz 2mao 2 show dat wie r cerioux title contenders coz arsenal might loose against southampton
My team:mignolet,johnson,agger,skrtel,cissokho,lucas,Gerrald,Henderson,coutinho,Suarez and Sturridge.Good luck for 3 points.
Our greatest mistake will be to play cissokho in this match. He is too average to be anywhere near a lfc team. Agger will be better at LB. Again, sakho must be at our CB if Lukaku must be stop.
We would have won if it wasn’t for Joe ‘xavi’ Allen – f**kin ar**hol3
Where will the derby be won and lost?
Answer – Joe Allen!