Merseyside Derby Special: Liverpool v Everton
Well they say that form goes out of the window in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool will be desperately hoping that is true.
Kenny Dalglish has not made the best of starts with 2 defeats from 2 games, but there were clear signs of improvement, against Blackpool in particular, when Liverpool had 11 men on the pitch throughout the game. They tried to play attacking football but
clearly lacked quality and confidence.
However, no matter what happens, King Kenny’s status as a true Liverpool legend will not be affected one bit. Liverpool fans are sure to back the man they trust more than anyone else.
Dalglish did surprise a few with his team selection on Wednesday night, however, it is believed that it had more to do with resting players for the derby rather than using tired legs from a recent clash with Manchester United.
Liverpool take on Everton in what is expected to be a fascinating affair. It is not usual to see both teams lying in the bottom half of the table. Liverpool are 13th while Everton sit a place ahead of their rivals in 12th.
It would have taken a brave man to predict that at the time of this derby both teams would have accumulated only 25 points each and would have negative goal differences. It goes a long way to show the kind of season both Merseyside clubs are having.
Liverpool finished second in the league with 86 points in the 2008-09 season, however, they have slumped drastically since 2009-10. A lot has been attributed to the fact that the club allowed players like http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Mascherano-c18071 to leave without
any adequate replacements.
Everton meanwhile are used to finishing at least in the top half of the table but they too have not enjoyed their football since 2009. David Moyes is the third longest serving manager in the league and considering that only Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger
are ahead of him, it is quite an achievement.
Both teams know that this game has a lot more at stake than just the bragging rights. A win for either team can put them in great stead for the rest of the season. There is a general feeling all round that this match can help Liverpool find their feet. Every
player on the pitch on Sunday would know how this game can have an impact on the remainder of their season.
Local pride is not the only thing at stake. It is a chance for either team to relieve themselves from constant media pressure. With Liverpool without http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jamie-Carragher-c17728, there will be a lack of local spirit. However, it will be great to see
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martin-Kelly-c24395 given another run as he is the only local lad who can expect to make a start.
Everton too will be without their top goal scorer Tim Cahill but their problems are not as grave as their cross-city rivals. Their win over Tottenham would have given them loads of confidence going into this game.
Nonetheless, Everton have their shortcomings, especially when it comes down to putting the ball at the back of the net. They have scored a disappointing 23 league goals so far with most of them coming from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tim-Cahill-c35085 and Everton’s midfield.
Yakubu has now left for Leicester and Tim Cahill is playing for his national side. Luis Saha seems the obvious choice to start against Liverpool. He can be a real handful against Liverpool’s shaky defence. He is strong and has pace to trouble both Martin
Skrtel and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Agger-c9884.
A win for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 is more important for them in terms of gaining confidence rather than 3 points or even bragging rights. It is unimaginable what a defeat can do to the once mighty Reds.
In a season when neither of the Merseyside clubs looks likely to finish in a European qualifying position nor win any silverware, a derby win can be something they can cherish on.
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