Goodison derbies are always a nervy affair; controversy tends to follow this fixture every season. A man who rescued a late draw last season could well be in amongst the action as Daniel Sturridge has returned from injury just in time, and ahead of the game I spoke to Everton fan Stephen Conroy (@StephenConroy97) of Read Bundesliga.
To start off, can you tell us about the main dangers Everton can pose to Liverpool on Saturday, and who you think the real danger-men for your side are?
I think Everton could pose Liverpool some problems on Saturday after the win over Crystal Palace, expect the fight, passion and fast direct football that has been missing for most of this season. Kevin Mirallas is in great form recently and if he links up with Lukaku to their best potential Liverpool could struggle.
Will the form book potentially be thrown out of the window on Saturday, and could we see any surprises in the game?
The form book isn’t even an afterthought when it comes to the Merseyside derbies, it goes completely out the window. And I don’t mean to sound clichė but I honestly do think we shouldn’t be surprised at anything that happens. Expect the unexpected.
Last season’s corresponding fixture was one a classic, with an action packed end to end 3-3 draw. Do you expect similar on Saturday?
I’d expect goals again, Everton are awful at the back, and so are Liverpool. If every attacking player is on form then I think we could see one of the best games of the season on Saturday, hopefully I’m right.
How do you expect Everton to set-up for the game, with James McCarthy an injury doubt?
I’d expect Everton to line up with the two holding players, Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic, sitting just in front of the back four and not give players like Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling the space they require, whereas the 2 wingers and the one attacking midfielder (Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith and Aaron Lennon) will look to counter attack Liverpool at pace and try to provide for Romelu Lukaku. And then the back four makes up itself with Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Leighton Baines.
What are your personal thoughts on Steven Gerrard, with this being his last derby?
My thoughts on Gerrard… I think he’s one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and him playing his last Merseyside derby will be a great spectacle. I’m also a bit relieved as he always seems to contribute to a Liverpool goal or two when we play them, so, on an unbiased point, I think he’s a magnificent player and he will be missed by the league, but quite honestly I’d love it if he missed a penalty or scored an own goal on Saturday.
When looking at the current Liverpool squad (you can be nice, if you really want), who do you feel poses your side the most threat on Saturday?
I like the look of the Liverpool attack when everyone is fully fit and looking at the players they have available for the game, I think that anyone of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho or Raheem Sterling could prove to be real trouble if our defence doesn’t have a decent game. Other than them 3 players though I’m not worried at all.
Finally, can we get a score prediction from you?
If the real Everton show up and play the best they can, which I think they will, I’d say 3-2 to Everton.
I don’t like to predict derbies, logic and reason gets thrown out the window and it’s all about who turns up on the day. However, due to Liverpool’s recent good League form, Daniel Sturridge’s return and my unwavering optimism, I’m going with 3-1 Liverpool.
