Tomorrow marks a number of landmarks in Liverpool’s modern history. As well as being the 224th Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, it is also Brendan Rodgers’ 100th Premier League game in charge of the Reds, and of course, (probably) the last Merseyside derby Steven Gerrard will take part in.
It’s safe to say there’s a lot on the line here for Liverpool. Especially since fellow top 4 rivals Arsenal and Spurs come up against each other in the early kick-off. With someone bound to drop points, it’s critical Liverpool capitalise on this, and secure all 3 points. In the reverse fixture earlier this year at Anfield, the Reds were denied 3 points in stoppage time by what can only be described as a pure fluke, from Phil Jageilka. Luck aside, I believe Liverpool should edge the derby on this occasion and claim all 3 points.
When looking to the Premier League form guide, we come into this game as the team to beat in the Premier League at the moment, having topped the table with 16 points out of a possible 18. However, we all know that when it comes to a derby, the form guide contributes very little to the outcome of the game.
I certainly don’t expect to see the same Everton side that’s only managed to obtain 5 points out of a possible 18 in their last 6 games. Liverpool have managed to keep 3 clean sheets away from home, which will serve them well going into this game.
In terms of the team that Liverpool will play, Brendan Rodgers has a few big decisions to make. Does he let sentiment get the better of him and start Steven Gerrard knowing he played the full 90 minutes midweek? Is Daniel Sturridge ready for his first start in 5 months, and if so, who does he replace in team?
This is my team to face Everton tomorrow:
Goalkeeper – Mignolet
It’s pretty evident that Mignolet will be in goal, although he struggled during the first half of the season, since Mignolet returned to the first team against Burnley, he has been amazing. With Liverpool obtaining 4 clean sheets since then, and most impressively 3 of those clean sheets were in away games.
Defence – Can Skrtel Sakho
Much of the reason for Liverpool’s turn around defensively has been due to the change in formation to a 3-4-3 and this back 3, it’s been solid in comparison to the back ever changing back 4 we had earlier on in the season and it’s by far Liverpool’s strongest in terms of quality, both defensively and going forward. Skrtel, who isn’t the best passer of the ball can always rely on his two defensive partners either side of him to begin attacks. Emre Can as a midfielder playing in defence can play the ball out with ease, as well as the supposedly shaky Sakho. Regardless of sometimes looking clumsy on the ball, he’s actually our best defender. You cannot argue with his passing statistics. He’s a beast, and by far our best defender.
Midfield – Markovic Henderson Lucas Moreno
Lucas and Henderson are the best midfield pairing we have at the club, they suit this formation perfectly. It’s the ideal partnership, with Henderson’s relentless energy combined with Lucas’ defensive mindset. Not forgetting to mention Henderson’s recently acquired ability to ping a ball either wing and really open up defences.
Liverpool potentially face a problem in deciding who fills the RM/RWB position, as Lazar Markovic picked up a slight back injury in the midweek FA cup game against Bolton. If he isn’t deemed fit enough to play, I expect Jordan Ibe to replace him as he possesses similar qualities to Markovic and what Rodgers expects from his wing backs. Not necessarily a great ball winner, but somebody with pace who can hassle attackers through intense pressure in giving the ball away. Moreno, like Henderson and Lucas, is pretty much nailed on for the LWB/LM role, even if he does put a foot wrong, he has great recovery speed and manages to undo any errors he makes going forward.
Attack – Gerrard Sterling Coutinho
Personally, I wouldn’t start Sturridge as it’s too soon, but I would definitely start Steven Gerrard. He’ll be up for this game more than anyone, and pushing him forward into a role that requires less of him defensively, he can and will flourish. We need his quality on the ball in the final third.
Coutinho, after his stoppage time stunner in midweek is pretty much a certain starter from now on until the end of the season, barring an injury. He’s the brain of this team going forward.
Sterling starts up top, with Sturridge on the bench. With his recent run of form up top since his controversial break, he has been unplayable at times with his runs in behind. Opposition defenders constantly face a problem of leaving space in behind for Sterling to run into, and dropping deeper which then allows Coutinho to pick up the ball in dangerous areas. If we run into problems in breaking down Everton’s defence, we could always bring on Daniel Sturridge for the final quarter of the game like we did against West Ham.
Bench: Ward Lovren Johnson Allen Lallana Ibe Sturridge
Pick YOUR team below (desktop). For a mobile version visit our Squad Selector page, here.
Comments.
Loading comments…