Liverpool make their shortest trip of the season on Sunday, when they travel to Goodison park for the 204th Merseyside Derby. One point separates the two teams going into one of the most awaited fixtures in this part of the world and both the teams will be looking out to dish out their best performance. Liverpool have won 2 of their last 6 games as against Everton’s 3 in the last 6 and are definitely short of confidence going into the game.
This is how we believe The Reds will line up against Everton on Sunday.
Goalkeeper- Simon Mignolet
With Adam Bogdan simply filling into the shoes of Brad Jones, Simon Mignolet has no real competition for his spot unless he makes some apparent howlers game after game. The Belgian has not kept a clean sheet since the end of August and it is highly unlikely, especially with a defence as susceptible at Liverpool’s, that he will keep a clean sheet against Everton. Nevertheless, he starts in the goal for us.
Defenders- Clyne, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno
Brendan Rodgers started with three at the back against sides like Norwich at home. There is no evidence to suggest that the manager who is clinging on to his job by the last straw wouldn’t want to play it safe on Sunday. The consistent Clyne will partner a rejuvenated Moreno as the wing-backs. Clyne has been the brightest of the club’s summer signing while Moreno’s confidence and attacking abilities have been on display over the last few weeks, making them both the number one choice on either flanks.
Brendan Rodgers likes a ball playing Centre back. Bereft of one, he has turned to Emre Can to play that role. The German will continue to feature as a centre-back along with Skrtel and Sakho. Being regarded by many as the best defender at the club, Sakho has to be at his best to thwart the attempts of this high flying Everton side.
Midfielders- Lucas, Milner, Coutinho
Lucas was top notch against Aston Villa doing everything right and he will probably be the first name on the Liverpool team sheet. The defensive midfielder, who was believed to be on his way to Besiktas has brought the much sought balance to this Liverpool side. Liverpool’s fortunes in the game will largely depend on his ability to handle a marauding Barkley. He will be accompanied in the middle of the park by captain in standing Milner and the magical Coutinho. Liverpool have often looked bereft of ideas and that stems from the sides inability to work in cohesion and that if repeated could well come back to hurt the Reds.
Forward- Ings and Sturridge
Every single time he has been afforded a chance, Danny Ings has been hungry to get his team the upper hand. We expect Liverpool to field an all English strike force, with Daniel Sturridge back to form and fitness. Sturridge currently averages more goals per game than Suarez and Torres, a statistic that speaks for his ability to find the back of the net. He and Ings showed some good link-up play and could mean trouble for the Everton defense.
As a Liverpool fan, I have never been as pessimistic about our opportunities in a big game as I am today. We do not lack the personnel. What we lack is a plan and an ability to execute it right. We are yet to set the ball rolling this season and there’s no game the Kop would love that to happen than the one on Sunday
