Liverpool v Everton: Merseyside Misery for Moyes as Rafa has Reason to Rejoice?
The most important Merseyside Derby for many years takes place at Anfield this weekend with a possible Champions League place to compete for as well as the usual local bragging rights.
Despite the Reds dominance over their local rivals, it’s very rare that Liverpool complete League doubles over Everton. In fact, since the inauguration of the Premier League 16 years ago, the Reds have won both home and away on just 2 occasions (2000/01 & 2005/06). So Rafa shouldn’t be counting his pollos (that’s Spanish for Chickens), just yet.
Toffees Running Out of Steam
Everton have made vast strides forward this season but look to be stumbling at the final hurdle after dropping points in their last 2 matches against what could be considered inferior opposition. This League slump came directly after a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Fiorentina in the Uefa Cup which seems to have knocked the stuffing out of David Moyes’ team. Despite possessing arguably the best Toffees squad ever to play in the Premier League, injuries and fatigue are beginning to take their toll. Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo, and Andrew Johnson all missed the home draw with West Ham whilst the mercurial Tim Cahill will now miss the rest of the season. The Toffees forward line which looked extremely strong just a few weeks ago is now looking a little threadbare as Victor Anichebe has struggled with a hip injury and injury ravaged James Vaughan has undergone yet another operation. If the injuries continue, Moyes’ may surprisingly live to regret selling squad player James McFadden to Birmingham despite receiving what seemed an excellent fee.
Another Anfield Fernando Thriller?
Despite defeat at Fulham, Everton have still lost just once in the last 11 League matches (7 wins), so are hardly struggling. Liverpool were in sensational form until a resounding defeat at Old Trafford last weekend brought them down to earth with a bump. They will be without one of their key men too as Javier Mascherano is suspended following his continual verbal confrontations with referee Steve Bennett last weekend. Despite his idiocy it remains strange that he should miss this match whereas Ashley Cole not only committed a poor challenge but was also petulant towards a referee and doesn’t miss a single match. The Argentinian midfielder is likely to be replaced by another South American in the shape of Brazilian youngster Lucas but his combative nature could be missed. Prior to the Old Trafford debacle, the Reds were on a 7-match winning run in all competitions and Fernando Torres looked unstoppable. The Spaniard is struggling with ankle and rib injuries and his absence would be a huge loss for the Reds as he has proven himself to be a constant threat at Anfield where he has scored in 12 of his 16 League games. His home record is the stuff of ‘Roy of the Rovers’ as he has actually scored 18 goals in those games (14 starts). In fact, his recent Anfield record is quite frightening and reads 12 goals in the last 8 games. Tim Howard, you’ve been warned!
This is not the easiest match to predict but it’s Liverpool who look the fresher of the two sides and are scoring for fun at home (17 goals in last 6 League games) so back them to take a step closer to Champions League football next season. However, it may be worth covering your options with a draw as 4 of the last 6 encounters between these two at Anfield have resulted in a point apiece. I don’t expect the Toffees to win at their neighbour’s ground. After all, they’ve not managed this feat since 1999. Therefore expect Rafa to be rejoicing at the final whistle!
Pundit’s Pick: Moye’s Champions League hopes in the Red (home win) Do you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Blue, Everton, Liverpool, Merseyside Derby, Premier 10 preview, Premier League, reds
