Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park this Sunday, with the result much more important than city bragging rights.
Everton are currently fifth, and have the chance to push into the top four.
Despite being only a point behind Everton, Liverpool are a club under pressure, and manager Brendan Rodgers knows a loss will turn the heat up even more.
While Everton’s 3-2 win over West Brom this week may not sound impressive, the nature of the win said a lot about the Toffees’ improvement this season. At 2-0 down it would have been easy to say game over – that certainly would have been the case last season. But the last three goals of the game showed Everton will fight for every point they can.
Liverpool are also coming off a 3-2 win, over Aston Villa, but the result does not seem to be getting the same praise, perhaps because expectations from Liverpool fans are higher.
Roberto Martinez was a manager under pressure going into the season, but he appears to have regained trust from Everton fans, particularly after the away win at Southampton and home win over Chelsea.
Typically, Everton did not spend a lot of money in the transfer window, but they kept hold of John Stones, re-signed many of the current squad, and added players such as Gerard Deulofeu, who is already proving successful.
With three wins for the season and a minus-two goal difference, Liverpool have not been as assured. The 3-0 loss to West Ham raised questions over Rodgers, and after missing out on a Champions League place last season there does not appear to be a lot of patience from fans. A loss against Everton will not be viewed favourably, especially with Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City awaiting in the next five games.
Everton has not often performed to expectation in the Merseyside derby. Many times they have entered the game in better form, but failed to take the points. Last season saw two draws between the clubs; neither will be satisfied with this result on Sunday.
With so much on the line for both clubs the Merseyside Derby is must-watch viewing. Who will come out on top?
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