LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON: MATCH PREVIEW
The Merseyside derby is upon us, the longest running top-flight derby in England. A historical and scintillating fixture that, along the years, has been full of controversy, breath-taking performances and famous quotes that have cemented in our memories.
From Liverpool manager Bill Shankly saying: “In my time at Liverpool we always said we had the best two teams on Merseyside, Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves”, to Everton player Ratcliffe referring to his goal against the Reds in 1986: “When you score against that lot it’s the best feeling in the world and anything goes.”.
From Everton’s four-time comeback in the thrilling 4-4 F.A.Cup match in 1991, to Suarez’s flopping celebration in front of Moyes at Goodison Park. The passion, the excitement and the bragging rights are all part of this captivating event.
This fixture is up there with the biggest and the best derbies in the world. It’s the city of Liverpool’s own version of Manchester City vs Manchester United, Celtic vs Rangers, Racing Club vs Independiente, Rosario vs Newells, Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan vs AC Milan, Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray, Fluminense vs Flamengo.
What makes the Merseyside derby different from the rest? Once catalogued as the “friendly derby” due to the proximity of their stadiums: Anfield and Goodison Park, the many players that have crossed the park, the dominance of both teams in the 80’s on the local and European stage and the Hillsborough tragedy, it has now become a fiery encounter. With 20 red cards, Liverpool vs Everton holds the record of most sending offs in any Premiership fixture.
Team News
Liverpool: The Reds still have a few lingering injury concerns, Can, Allen, Flanagan, Johnson are all out. Sturridge would be a big boost to the team, however, it seams as if he’ll be starting on the bench having not fully recovered from an injury sustained during the international break. Starting XI 4-2-3-1: Mignolet, Moreno, Skrtel, Lovren, Manquillo, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli.
Everton: Ross Barkley is still on the sidelines and, although recovering faster than expected, will miss the derby. Fortunately for the Toffees no other player is on their injury list and they have a near to full squad for the trip to Anfield. Starting XI 4-5-1: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, Naismith, Barry, Besic, McCarthy, Mirallas, Lukaku.
Match Preview
Saturday 27th’s first Premier League match of the day will see the Reds and the Toffees battle it out for a much needed victory. After back-to-back defeats for Liverpool in the league against Aston Villa and West Ham and Everton losing against Crystal Palace, both teams will be desperate for a win. What better a fixture than this to bounce back from losses?
The Toffees also lost against Swansea and the Reds endured 120 minutes of play and a record-breaking 30 penalties against Middlesborough in midweek in the Capital One Cup. Neither teams are at the top of their game and a defeat may put pressure on either Martinez or Rodgers. The defensive problems for both may make it another goal-fest and the Merseyside teams have what it takes upfront to do so.
Rodgers said in his pre-match conference:
“The derby gives us an opportunity to do that [improve], it provides a platform to go on a good, consistent run”
Everton have not won at Anfield for a remarkable 15 years and strangely enough that victory came on a 27th of September, Martinez said
“Fifteen years is a long, long, long time and [covers] different stages in the history of the two football clubs. All that matters now is the one on Saturday and that’s the only one we need to be focusing on. It’s a terrific target to have and a great motivation to be able to go there and rewrite the history.
Head-to-head
- At Anfield Liverpool and Everton have faced each other 98 times, with the Reds winning 41 and the Toffees coming out on top in 24. They have drawn on 33 occasions.
- Last season saw Liverpool come back from a 2-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw in a pulsating match, Sturridge scoring in the final minutes at Goodison Park.
- At Anfield Liverpool thrashed Everton 4-0 in a magnificent display, practically ending the match after 35 minutes of play with the scoreline already 3-0.
Prediction
With both teams needing a win and both defences having serious problems we may be in for another great derby, hopefully there will be more goals than cards. A draw is on the cards but it shall be another classic.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Everton
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