Everton FC v Liverpool FC – Match Preview
Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park tomorrow to face an in-form Everton side in the 225th Merseyside derby.
Following last week’s win against Aston Villa, Brendan Rodgers and his side will be hoping they can make it two league wins on the bounce when they meet Roberto Martinez’s side.
Having rested the majority of the established first eleven during the midweek draw against FC Sion, we can expect the return of Daniel Sturridge, Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho to the team, as well as stand in captain, James Milner. The expectations are that with the main players starting, we’ll see more clinical finishing in front of goal instead of the somewhat disappointing showing against their less illustrious Swiss opponents. Not to mention improved performances from Nathaniel Clyne and Emre Can.
Considering there’s virtually no chance Simon Mignolet will be dropped, we can expect him to remain in goal behind a back three of Sakho, Martin Skrtel and Can. Personally, I’d like to see Kolo Touré retain his place instead of Can who’s performances in defense have been far from inspiring of late. A midfield trio of Philippe Coutinho, Lucas and Milner is the best we can expect between two wing backs Alberto Moreno and Clyne. Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings will lead the attack.
Looking back over the last five fixtures at Goodison, Liverpool show P:5; W:1; D:3; L:1. Those stats don’t exactly fill you with optimism, as it points to yet another bore draw waiting for us. On the basis of current performances, Everton are easy favorites for tomorrow’s game. Considering they’ve won three and drawn one of their last four fixtures, I think their confidence will be too much for the visitors that. God, please prove me wrong but right now, I have to say I’m in the doubting Thomas camp.
Speculation continues over Rodgers’ position and the midweek performance didn’t do anything to keep that at bay. The return of Daniel Sturridge has done much to improve the dynamic of the team but he alone isn’t going to be the answer. Danny Ings for all his work rate and endeavour still, for me has finishing ability that leaves a lot to be desired.
The other end of the team isn’t much better either. The return of Sakho has helped but Clyne has been guilty of some glaring mistakes lately and all of this along with Ings’ inability to finish has to stop if they want the manager to keep his job. And as for Mignolet… Well… Calamity personified. Enough said.
It’s quite likely that Liverpool will start without a local player in the starting line up for the first time in 29 years according to the Daily Mail and with this in mind, I think there’s definitely room for young Jordan Rossiter to start. He was also one of the few highlights of the midweek game. Let’s face it, Rodgers could do a lot worse.
Here’s hoping there is some positive news to write about tomorrow afternoon. For me, Rodgers’ recent outburst against those that don’t want him to be manager sounded like parting shots. The outburst of one under intense pressure. Right now I’m on the fence. Things need to improve for both the team and the Northern Irishman but ultimately, the most important thing is the club.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheLFCFile
