The merseyside derby, like most derbies are games with much at stake. It will never be just about points on the table. Form, stats, history, injuries, home field advantage etc all becomes irrelevant. Or almost.
Both clubs has seen better times, and has had less than optimal season openers.
Once again Everton are slow starters, but has been showing signs of improving and has always played well even if the margins hasn't always gone our way. As the win against Birmingham last round showed, our luck is starting to turn. In every part of the team we are seeing confidence returning with every game. Fellaini and Arteta owns midfield, Yakubu is looking sharper and sharper with every game, Jags, Heitinga and Distin are making Howards job easier, and he is making top quality performances as well.
The red side has had their share of trouble off the pitch with that whole business with owners etc. I was a tad pessimistic when I saw Hodgson was chosen to take over after Benitez. The Spaniard had seemed to make every wrong choice in the transfer market, and was dismantling the team he had helped build, and it seemed he was losing support among the players.
Hodgson is a man that brought Fulham to the Europa league finals, and has experience with getting the most out of a squad. Fortunately though, he seems to be struggling with turning Liverpool into anything resembling the honest hardworking collective that he had in Fulham.
At Everton our main worry is whether Jagielka, Pienaar or Saha will be fit to play the game. It seems Jags won't make it, but Pienaar and Saha should. Rodwell will unfortunately be out injured for some time.
This game has everything. Two neighbors, both geographically and on the table. Two teams that got more quality than the table show, and two squads of players that will fight to the end for a win. Much more than bragging rights to play for in this one. Neither team can afford not to win, and only one can.
My prediction; 2-0 win.
Discuss in the match thread.
-MF
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