Venue: Anfield
Date: 27/09/2014
Kick-off: 12:45(BST)
Match
Everton have got off to the worst possible start this season and on early showing, it seems that the Toffees will have to endure a long and difficult campaign.
Although Everton have been brilliant going forward, their defence is letting them down and this fact was perfectly epitomized by the defeat against Crystal Palace last week.
Now up next for Everton is a daunting prospect of squaring off against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield in the Merseyside derby on Saturday and it looks set to be another difficult night for the Toffees.
Everton have failed to register a victory at Anfield since 1999 and were hammered 4-0 on their last visit to the red half of Merseyside. Therefore, on current form – Everton seem to have no chance whatsoever of changing their poor record against their rivals.
That being said though, Liverpool are also not going through the best of runs and as is the case when these sides usually square off against each other, the form book will go out of the window during the day.
Everton Team News
There will unsurprisingly be wholesale changes made to the Everton eleven that started in the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea City in midweek. However, Martinez is likely to be without the services of Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar on the day with the duo struggling with a head and a groin injury respectively.
In the absence of Coleman, John Stones should fill in at right back while the experienced trio of Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines will lineup alongside him to complete the back four.
Gareth Barry and James McCarthy should return to partner each other in midfield while the duo of Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeady will most probably be deployed on the wings. Bryan Oviedo and Christian Atsu will be in contention as well.
Steven Naismith should continue in the hole behind the striker and the lone frontman will most likely be Romelu Lukaku, with Samuel Eto’o waiting on the wings.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (Probable XI): Mignolet; Moreno, Lovren, Skrtel, Manquillo; Lallana, Henderson, Sterling, Gerrard, Markovic; Balotelli
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman; Mirallas, Barry, Naismith, McCarthy, McGeady; Lukaku
Form
Liverpool: W L W L D
Everton: L W W L L
Last Meeting
29/01/2014 Liverpool 4 – 0 Everton
23/11/2013 Everton 3 –3 Liverpool
Prediction
It goes without saying that the two teams head into the game desperate for a victory. Liverpool have lost their last two matches and will surely be hoping for a positive result in front of their fans while a win on the day is also equally important for Everton.
Therefore the match should be an open and exciting affair with the two sides setting up in an attacking manner.
Historically, the Merseyside derby has produced the most number of red cards and one can expect the clash on Saturday to be an explosive affair as well.
Heading into the game, Liverpool should be placed as slight favourites as they a boast fine record over Everton at Anfield.
Liverpool were stifled by a defensive minded Villa last time out and with Everton playing a more expansive game, the Reds could well exploit the spaces on the counter.
From Everton’s point of view, they should remain tight at the back and avoid going behind early on as it is very dangerous to play the chasing game against a quick Liverpool side.
The match should be a close affair but Liverpool may well edge the match due to their home advantage.
Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton
