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View from the Kop

Possession really will be nine tenths of the law tomorrow

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I know it’s an old cliché but you can’t win a Merseyside Derby without the ball. With Mark Lawrenson recommending the Reds play a four man midfield against Everton tomorrow, and even Kenny Dalglish stating that although he feels the Reds could improve defensively, he is just more concerned with scoring more goals than the opposition, I feel I maybe going against the grain by saying the Reds need to pack the midfield at Goodison Park.

Some may see it as a negative tactic going with 5 midfielders away from home in a Merseyside Derby, and that it would be a sure sign of playing for a draw, but I genuinely feel it would be the best way of winning the game.

Probably at the start of the season with the squad at the Reds’ disposal, I would probably have gone with the 4-4-2 as I’ve felt the likes of Lucas, Adam and Kuyt would be able to cope, but two games in recent weeks have coloured my thinking that such a tactic is unwise, especially against Everton.

Against Man City, the Blues stifled the 4-4-2 formation they came up against at the Etihad stadium, and without a recognised striker, played with every man behind the ball, and also managed to create some chances of their own. Only a deflected effort from Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock. I doubt David Moyes would be as negative against Liverpool, especially at home but he will definitely be going with a 5 man midfield, looking to harry the Reds on the ball, and basically pick them off.

The Reds themselves were picked off by Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham in their 4-0 defeat. Not outnumbered in midfield but nevertheless overrun and outfought in midfield and the Reds best players were starved of possession. If the likes of Suarez don’t get the ball against Everton tomorrow, Moyes will believe he has got the battle half one. To this end, it is essential the Reds keep control of possession and ensure Suarez and Downing can get in dangerous areas; a scenario more likely if we match them like for like in midfield.

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This week it is former LFC WAG Michela Quattrociocche!!

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