Everton vs Liverpool Preview

Everton vs Liverpool Preview

 

The big game is here as Liverpool take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

 

The Mersey side derby is always important. Tomorrow however it takes on extra significance, not only due to the teams league positions but also because this will be Steven Gerrard’s last ever Mersey side derby.

 

After a horrendous start Liverpool are only four points off Southampton in fourth place. Everton meanwhile are actually closer to the relegation zone than they are to Liverpool and will want to win a few games to avoid a potential relegation battle.

 

Liverpool will be confident, winning their last three league games. They have not conceded a goal in that time and their attack is once again beginning to look fluid and fast. They will want to take this into the game against struggling Everton who have only won twice in the last ten league games.

 

Yes if Liverpool were apparently in crisis I can’t begin to imagine what Everton are in. The biggest problem the team in blue are having this season is that they are not scoring as many goals are their opponents. They will want to change that against the Reds.

 

Liverpool have a very good record in this fixture. Everton have only won once in the last ten meetings. Steven Gerrard also often does well against Everton, scoring nine goals against them.

 

Gerrard will want to light up this fixture one last time before leaving for the U.S.A. He has made so many memorable moments including his free kick in the reverse fixture at Anfield. Always one for the big occasion I wouldn’t be surprised to see a magnificent performance from him this game.

 

Liverpool’s team will likely be similar to the one that beat Bolton in midweek. Henderson will likely be restored to the starting line-up and I would like to see Sturridge start on the bench again. Sturridge does have a good record against Everton, scoring three in his last two games against them. However the worst thing Liverpool could do is rush him back and get him injured again.

 

It will be interesting to see if Balotelli can make the squad for this game. Personally I doubt it as his move seems to have failed and he does not fit into Liverpool’s plans or new system.

 

It is very difficult to predict Derby matches but I think Liverpool will win this one. If Liverpool can score first, with their current confidence compared to Everton’s I think it will be a fairly comfortable win.