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?
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
TJ, Rodgers copping a hiding is fully justified in my opinion as a Liverpool fan. This is the man who said only a week ago he is a better manager now than what he was two seasons ago when they nearly won the title. The scary thing is that there might be merit to that statement. You cannot fathom Liverpool getting so close two seasons ago without Suarez and Sturridge. Similarly, you can't imagine Liverpool being so poor last season if Sturridge was not injured for nearly all of it. Therefore, his attacking options were shorn. But if that is to occur, doesn't it make sense for a good manager to improve his defence to make up for that shortcoming? The removal of Daniel Agger for Dejan Lovren was seeing the removal of a club favourite who the fans knew bled red every time he played for a misfit who cannot justify the price tag. Meanwhile, Sakho has been overlooked repeatedly this season for Lovren, while Skrtel continues to make the same errors that he used to when Rafa was the boss. The other factor is the manner he has ostracised his players. It's easy enough to tell the likes of Jose Enrique, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli that they should look elsewhere. What you don't do though is make them train away from the first team. For one, they haven't done anything wrong to warrant such treatment (playing poorly is not a misdemeanour that fits that crime), and second, it sends a poor message to the rest of the squad of how the manager can turn on them. Third, and final, is the way the character of the club has been subdued in favour of the manager's own philosophy. The fact Steven Gerrard chose to leave speaks volumes about how the direction of the club that Rodgers wants to take is no longer that what the fans believe. Liverpool is a club that thrives on icons - look at the history books and you'll see them decorated everywhere. Who is our icon now? Sturridge, who struggles to get on the park? Coutinho, who may be the next one to leave? Or is going to be Jordan Henderson and/or James Milner, who for as honest and industrious as they are, will not inspire the masses? Unlike others, I don't believe that replacing Rodgers with either Klopp or Ancelotti will improve matters immediately. But what it will do is give a carrot to prospective players to come to the club that simply does not exist at the moment with Rodgers at the helm. Luis Suarez came to Liverpool because he wanted to play alongside Torres and Gerrard, and play for Kenny Dalglish. Having an iconic manager can be the critical factor of getting that world-class player. Iconic manager Rodgers is not.
Eden
Guest
Criticising everton's defence is a bit harsh. They have 4 defenders out injured, 3 of them regular first teamers. The replacements have less than 15 EPL starts between them. Stones and Baines are tipped to return and Coleman close. The problem this year has been 90 minute displays. Liverpool pressure is also a bit much this early with a decent points tally. But hopefully they struggle all season and Everton takes 4th :) On form Everton should win this at home but tipping 2-2
Pete
Guest
The Everton defence was shaky against Brom. But they should have both Stones and Coleman back against Liverpool which has them looking a lot better. Surprisingly I think Barry has been one of their best performers this year. Should be a cracking atmosphere!
TJ
Guest
Should be a great game. Both sides are fairly ordinary in defence but have wonderful players up front and in the middle of the park. Liverpool to win in a high scoring and exciting game 4 - 3. I find it remarkable how Rodgers is copping a hiding in the media and even so called fans. Liverpool have only lost to first and third place (although they did play poorly on both occasions), drew against Arsenal away and they are only 4 points away from the top 4. Admittedly, again poor showing against Norwich but still got a point. Tomorrow mornings game against Sion will be interesting. If Liverpool thrash Sion, will it mean nothing? Anything less than a win and the witch hunt will be back in full swing! A much improved attacking performance against Villa last week and the return to form of Sturridge and Lucas will just pip the likes of Stones and Lukaku in my opinion. (My fingers and toes are crossed!!!) Looking forward to it, can't wait!
mwm
Guest
It's a grand Ol team to play for It's a grand Ol team to support And if You know Your history It's enough to make your heart go oh oh oh We don't know what the red side said What the hell do we care Coz we always know that there's gonna be a show When the Everton boys are there!!!!! ..... Not that I'm bias or nothing
Jay
Guest
I reckon Everton will win this. I don't think Liverpool will cope with Lukaku.