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The stakes are high, and a city is divided, as one of the high-pedigree fixtures of the game bids farewell to a legend in the 224th Merseyside Derby. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:15am AEDT of the “Friendly Derby”: Everton versus Liverpool.
The sense of anticipation and yearning from both blue and red surrounding this fixture never ceases to dissipate. Merseysiders confront this reality every day, and given the Premier League’s global stature, so do their armada of respective followers worldwide.
Yet both Everton and Liverpool could be forgiven for turning up at Goodison Park this weekend wondering how their fortunes have plummeted from only the season before. While Everton were aspiring for a long-fought berth in the Champions League, Liverpool were vying for Premier League title honours. Both would ultimately fail in their targets, yet the follow-up has made for dismal viewing for both sides of Stanley Park.
After a decade of dour and defensive and David Moyes, Everton refreshed its approach through the bright spark instigated by Roberto Martinez that saw a shining star develop in Ross Barkley, while Romelu Lukaku was pouching goals for fun during his loan spell.
Since then, Barkley has continued his ongoing development, while Lukaku is now a permanent resident on the blue side. Yet instead of a repeated European challenge, the Toffees sit a mere seven points above the dreaded relegation zone. Losses against the red enemy are never taken well, moreso if it costs Everton a place amongst the top tier in England.
It is tempting for Liverpool to be swayed by their recent good form as indication of a late challenge for European places. Indeed, the Reds sit only four points behind fourth-placed Southampton.
Yet the concern must focus on how a loss to Everton may dismantle this progress, especially given the underlying significance of the role of Steven Gerrard, who in all likelihood plays in his 33rd and final Merseyside Derby. Boasting a proud record where he has only lost five times to the local enemy, Gerrard is aware that a loss not only hampers his team’s current progress this season, but gives ample belief to Everton that his symbolic role in this fixture will be replaced by none other than their own Scouse heartbeat in Ross Barkley. Liverpool fans will only dread what Barkley’s future influence may be, if Gerrard is to serve him any inspiration.
To the game itself, Everton will be relieved at their last start win at Crystal Palace, ensuring they enter the fixture with a fresh positivity. Despite his public outcry to possibly leave Goodison Park, Kevin Mirallas will likely be retained by Martinez in the starting team, alongside the attacking midfielder Steven Naismith. The continued absence of Tim Howard means Joel Robles continues to deputise, while Barkley will be charged to play behind Romelu Lukaku in a likely 4-2-3-1 formation.
Liverpool’s resurgence has come courtesy of a back three formation, and thus Brendan Rodgers would be loathe to alter this. Injury concerns surround Lucas, who has been a key cog to the recent good form, while Adam Lallana’s groin strain may rob him a chance to play against the club he supported as a child. The big question for Rodgers will be if he hands Daniel Sturridge his first start since August, or whether Raheem Sterling continues to lead the line. Gerrard’s role will largely be confined to a central midfield role either alongside Lucas or Jordan Henderson, but expect him to foray up field in pursuit of a goal to savour.
Last season’s Goodison Park derby was contested in late 2013, as the teams played a blockbuster 3-3 draw that went down as one of the games of the season. More importantly, it laid significant markers for both teams on their aspirations ahead.
Since said aspirations were quashed, there hasn’t been much positive to write about up Merseyside way. Unlike last season’s fixture where optimism gave way to a thrilling contest, expect this season’s pessimism to lead to a tight and terse affair.
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