Preview: LIVERPOOL vs Everton

The fitness of Daniel Sturridge may be key to the out come of the Merseyside derby

Everton go into this match following a frustrating home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend, despite an early goal for striker Romelu Lukaku, Crystal Palace fought hard and stole all three points when Yannick Bolasie scored in the 69^th minute. Liverpool also go into this one on the back of a very disappointing loss to West Ham at Upton Park. Liverpool were outplayed by the London club, and although close for large periods of the game, Morgan Amalfitano ensured the Hammers’ victory in the 88th minute.

The famous Merseyside derby has put on some very entertaining matches in the last few years, including a 3-3 draw in November last year, and a 4-0 loss for Liverpool in their last meeting in January. The head-to-head record swings in Liverpool’s favor, with the Reds winning 77 of the total 201 matches, Everton winning 60, and 64 draws. 888sport.com are offering 9/11 odds on favourites Liverpool, and 13/4 on Everton.

The Everton forwards have had a storming start to the season, with their side scoring the second highest number of goals in the league, with 11. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for their defensive record, as they have conceded the most goals this season, letting 13 goals past them in just five games.  Goalkeeper Tim Howard, who famously starred for USA in the World Cup this summer, will be keen to show that the defensive frailties should not be put on his head, as according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has eight saves and three clearances to his name in his five appearances. England defender, Leighton Baines leads the tackle count within his defensive line up, despite the presence of his England counterparts Phil Jagielka and John Stones, who have a combined total of just thirteen tackles won.

Liverpool’s top scorer so far this season is young England International Raheem Sterling, who has scored three times in five games, equal third highest in the Premier Leauge so far. Sterling has also had an impressive 12 scoring attempts already, and performed thirteen successful dribbles, creating one assist from five crosses and 117 passes. The 19 year old has covered 43 km, reaching a top speed of 34.2 km/h, which puts him in the top 20 fastest players this season, Sterling is currently offered at 8/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Liverpool’s other scorers so far this season, have been England Internationals Steven Gerrard, and Daniel Sturridge, and Spain left back Alberto Moreno, all with one Premier League goal. Gerrard, the long serving Liverpool captain, has completed an impressive 279 accurate passes in five games, and won eight tackles. However Gerrard does not top the Liverpool passing statistics, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Jordan Henderson having completed 290 accurate passes in his five appearances, and Dejan Lovren has racked up a stunning 308 accurate passes in 450 minutes on the field.

Lukaku, Mirallas and Naismith share seven of Everton’s goals so far this season, and the three players form part of a very intimidating attacking threat for their side. Record signing Romelu Lukaku, has ten scoring attempts, two goals, one assist and 14 dribbles for the season. Lukaku is 2/1 with 888sport.com to score anytime. However chances are not just created by these players, as nine players have assisted goals for Everton this season, including 2 for Leighton Baines, who has a passing record to rival many defenders, with 263 accurate passes, and 154 passes in the opposition half, and has attempted fourteen dribbles.

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a performance from midfield workhorse Jordan Henderson, who has the travelled the furthest on the pitch in the Liverpool squad this season, covering a distance of 56 km, with an average of 7.1 km/h. Furthermore, Henderson sprinted for 1.7 km in the last game against West Ham, reaching speeds of 32.7 km/h. Much like Everton, their Merseyside rivals have also had issues in defence this season, conceding eight goals, including letting three goals past them in one game on two occasions, against West Ham and Man City.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.

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