Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 07/02/2015
Kick-off: 17:30 (BST)
The so called ‘Friendly Derby’ will be contested this weekend when Everton square off against Liverpool at Goodison Park and the match promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Everton managed to somewhat arrest their recent slump by claiming a hard fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend and the Toffees will now be hoping to use the win as a springboard to turn their poor campaign around.
However, it will be easier said than done as Everton now prepare to welcome fierce rivals Liverpool to Goodison this weekend and given the Reds recent revival, the match looks set to be another testing one for the Toffees.
Everton Team News
Everton have been handed a huge boost ahead of the clash with the news that star midfielder James McCarthy could be in contention to make a return to the starting lineup. However, long term absentees Tim Howard, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar remain out with injuries.
With Howard still out, Joel Robles will continue in goal while the backline will consist of Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Leighton Baines.
There could well be a change in the middle of the park due to the return of James McCarthy but considering the fact that Muhamed Besic has done so well in recent matches, there is a possibility that Martinez will elect to continue with the Bosnian international alongside Gareth Barry at the heart of the midfield.
In the advanced positions, Steven Naismith looks a certain starter but Ross Barkley and Aiden McGeady will compete for a place on the right wing while Kevin Mirallas and new boy Aaron Lennon will battle it out for a starting spot on the opposite flank.
Romelu Lukaku has been impressive in recent times and he should lead the attack ahead of Arouna Kone.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Robles; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, Besic; Mirallas, Naismith, Barkley; Lukaku
Liverpool (Probable XI): Mignolet; Sakho, Skrtel, Can; Moreno, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard; Sterling, Coutinho; Sturridge
Form
Everton: D D D D W
Liverpool: D D L W W
Last Meeting
27/09/2014 Liverpool 1 – 1 Everton
28/01/2014 Liverpool 4 – 0 Everton
Prediction
While Everton have struggled in recent times against Liverpool, the form book does really go out of the window when these two sides square up against each other – clichéd as it may sound.
Liverpool will probably head into the game as favourites due to the fact that they have managed to gather a bit of momentum in recent times. Everton, on the other hand, have been very poor and head into the game with their confidence shaken.
Nonetheless, the Toffees tend to raise their game when the cross city rivals pay a visit and one can be sure that Liverpool will not have it easy this weekend.
It will be a close encounter which is decided by the minute details and considering that both sides cannot afford to lose the game, an exciting score draw could well be on the cards.
Everton 1 – 1 Liverpool
