Nov 23, 2013 at 12.45pm (UK)
Goodison Park
Everton and Liverpool go full throttle coming head to head on what promises to be an enthralling clash in the first Merseyside derby of the season. Both the sides have made impressive starts to the campaign with Liverpool in hot pursuit of league leaders Arsenal in second while the Toffees have a new sense of exuberance in their set up as they sit sixth on the table separated by just a meager six points.
Everton come into the derby on the back of two frustrating draws, most notably the one against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, one which they were expected to win and a draw meant which somehow curtailed their flamboyant start in the Roberto Martinez Era. Talking of the fixture, Everton under David Moyes hardly picked up points against their neighboring Reds, something they would love to change come this Saturday. However as the last two seasons have suggested, Everton are more than capable of finishing above Liverpool in the table.
This time the Toffees would be rejuvenated with a sense of fresh exuberance and playing in front of a packed Goodison Park might just be the fuel to drive them. Speaking of Liverpool, this will be a huge test of character for Rodgers’ team who are fighting for a champions League spot, a tournament which was one of their own. The Reds come into the game at the back of a thumping win over Fulham before the International Break and would be up for the challenge on Sunday. Liverpool’s only two losses this season have been against Arsenal and Southampton while they have already beaten Manchester United at Anfield early in the campaign.
Team News:
Liverpool:
There are injury concerns for the Reds as left back Jose Enrique is out for two months after a recuperating knee injury, which means he will have to go under the knife in a drive towards full treatment. Luis Suarez might not be back in time following his team’s qualification in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Uruguayan has been pivotal in his country’s display so far and come next year would be a potent threat. Reports are also suggesting that Daniel Sturridge might be unfit for the match due to strains, while Iago Aspas is still on the sidelines.
Everton:
For Everton though, they don’t have injury concerns as of yet and Martinez would be hoping his boys are up to the task and can deliver the sucker punch in front of their vociferous home faithful. Everton keeper Tim Howard has two clean sheets in his last two matches but on the other side Liverpool have hit the back of the net an astonishing 13 times in the last four games. Last season at Goodison Park, these teams played to a 2-2 draw. Everton have won the time of possession battle in their last two matches, including dominating it in their last match but Martinez would surely urge his team to get the goals. They have to get back on track against a tough Reds’ defense and the prediction calls for neither side to earn a clean sheet.
Possible starting lineups
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Osman, Pienaar; Lukaku
Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Cissokho; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho; Suarez, Sturridge (likely).
Match Facts:
- Of the nine Merseyside derbies that Everton have won in the Premier League, seven have come at Goodison Park.
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Merseyside derbies in the Premier League (W7 D5 L1).
- There have been 20 red cards given in the 42 Premier League games between Everton and Liverpool; at least six more than in any other fixture in the competition.
- Luis Suarez has scored eight goals in his six Premier League appearances this season, averaging a goal every 67 minutes. The Uruguayan has also scored in his last two PL apps at Goodison Park.
- If matches ended at half time this season, Liverpool would be five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, if only second halves counted, Liverpool would be 14th.
- Romelu Lukaku scored in both of his Premier League appearances last season for West Brom against Liverpool.
Stats compiled from Yahoo Sport
Predictions: Everton 1-1 Liverpool
Blast from the past: