The fixture labelled as the most violent on the field is just round the corner and as always there surrounds a buzz around this game. It’s Liverpool vs Everton, the bragging rights are on the stake and it’s the one game that stops the whole city of Liverpool. It will be the 225th edition of the Derby and the reds have an upper hand with 88 wins to Everton’s 66. It will be Jurgen Klopp’s first ever Merseyside Derby which makes it all more interesting.
Everton are reeling in the bottom half of the table and the players and the manager have been equally disappointing this campaign. Roberto Martinez is under a lot of pressure and the Spaniard just cannot afford to lose the most important away fixture in Everton’s season. The only shining light for the toffees is their FA cup run and with semis lurking, Everton should make the cup their top priority.
The reds are on a roll after such an epic comeback against Dortmund and will look to continue their good run of form. Mathematically top four is still achievable and Klopp’s men need to win all their remaining fixtures. Emre Can suffered an ankle injury on Thursday and is likely to miss around 4-6 weeks. The longest running top flight Derby will resume the battle in midweek and let’s take a look at the combined eleven from both the teams :
Goalkeeper : Simon Mignolet
The Belgian might be under constant criticism but is well ahead in the pecking order of Joel Robles and Tim Howard.
Right back : Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne is more defensively sound than Coleman and is a consistent member of the reds squad.
Centre-back : Phil Jagielka
The Englishman brings calmness in the defense and is as always dependable. Loves to play in the Derby and is a big match player.
Centre back : Dejan Lovren
Scored the winner against Dortmund and is a completely different player under Klopp. He has started to repay the 20 million paid for his services.
Left-back : Leighton Baines
Offers more to the game than Alberto Moreno. His crossing and set piece quality is second to none.
Centre midfield : Gareth Barry
Will act as a shield ahead of the defense. The Premier League veteran has always performed well in big matches and starts ahead of Lucas Leiva and the injuries to Emre Can and Jordan Henderson.
Centre midfield : Joe Allen
The Welshman reads the game well and plays accordingly. He has never disappointed with his performances under Klopp and proved his case for a new contract.
Left wing : Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian is a must for any team and brings so much into the team that can win you games. Has been in scintillating form and will look to add to his goal tally.
No. 10 : Ross Barkley
Barkley is the future of England and Everton and on his day he is just unplayable. If guided properly, he can reach far greater heights.
Right wing : Roberto Firmino
The new signing has settled in well and is Liverpool’s too scorer for this campaign. He has always done well in the big league games and has a tremendous work rate.
Striker : Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian is in fine form and carrying toffees on his shoulders this season. He has scored a staggering 25 goals this season and if Everton don’t win the FA cup, he will look for a move away from Goodison Park.
