The stakes do not get any higher as 18 Yard Box analyses and gives its verdict as to what can happen in this version of the Merseyside Derby.
Overshadowed by the Chelsea-United fixture, the Merseyside Derby comes at a very crucial stage for both the teams. Usually a very volatile clash, both teams will go gung ho in this meeting and try to grab all three points.
18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai and Aman Arora highlight the importance of this clash and also give a final verdict.
Liverpool
Liverpool have finally got their season kickstarted. 7 points in the last three games have given Liverpool the much needed confidence to go into this game on a high. To add to this the win against big spenders Anzhi in the midweek in the Europa League have got Liverpool in seventh heaven. Brendan Rodgers will have to prepare well for this game as this might prove to be the make or break one for Liverpool.
Strengths
The ailing Liverpool defence has finally got a grip on itself. Conceding none in the last three games in all competitions, Liverpool are finally starting to put their miserable defensive performances behind them. To add to this, Luis Suarez has returned to do what he does well- score goals. With Borini out with a broken foot, the goal scoring onus will lie in Suarez's hands yet again. The other positive plus point is the coming of age of a certain Raheem Sterling. The 17 year old has been handed a tough job by Brendan Rodgers at such a tender age. However, he has lived upto his billing and has already got his Liverpool career off the mark with a goal against Reading last week. The attack looks formidable for Liverpool and if they remain consistent then they might just get the better out of Jagielka and Distin.
 |
| The goal scoring burden lies on Suarez' shoulders |
The other plus point is that Liverpool have managed to keep, who arguably is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Daniel Agger by making him sign a long term deal. They have even managed to extend the much promising Suso's stay. This will give a huge psychological boost to the Merseysiders.
 |
| Liverpool have done extremely well by tying this man to a long term deal |
Weakness
Liverpool's inconsistency is their biggest drawback. Having score 5 against Norwich at Carrow Road last month, they let Udinese plunder them at home. The recent results are quite heartening but it will be safe to say that the fans have not seen the Liverpool of old times. Brendan Rodgers has now got enough time to test his team and if Liverpool remain inconsistent still, the fans will not be kind to him.
 |
| Borini's injury has cast open the blunder done on the final day in the transfer market, when Carrol was off loaded and no replacement brought in |
The other cause for concern is the injury to Fabio Borini. Although the Spaniard Suso has stepped up, the goal scoring burden will lie in Suarez's hands. It becomes really difficult to see where the goals will come from should he fail to score.
Everton FC
Having started the season with a bang by beating Manchester United, Everton have continued their good run of form. Usually ones to blossom late on in the season, their fantastic start to the season has taken most fans by surprise. With an attacking flair about them, they are sitting 5th in the Table with 15 points from 8 games, and no one is complaining.
Strengths
Their midfield is one to watch out
for. With Fellaini, they have a powerhouse in the team who seamlessly sets about
attack and defence. The presence of
Pienaar gives them an extra dimension while going forward.
The recent acquisition of Belgian Mirallas from Olympiakos and Steven Naismith from Glasgow Rangers has given the team a potent, well-tested strike force.
 |
| The duo of Fellaini and Mirallas from an important part of the team |
Naismith gels particularly well with former Rangers’
teammate Jelavic and could test the back four of Liverpool well.
Weakness
Everton’s defence could be an area
where they can improve. With Neville, Distin, Jagielka and Baines, they have
got a stable back four which provides a strong spine to the team. Although recent acquisition Hitzlsperger could be
provide the missing steel, this is one area where someone like Suarez and
Sterling could cause harm to them.
 |
| Fans need to see more responsibility being taken the experienced Pienaar |
As far as the midfield is concerned, much is handled by Fellaini considering the ability he has. Darren Gibson needs to step up to more consistent performances. Although Pienaar and Osman are strong characters and experienced ones, a moment or two of inspiration from the two more often will do no harm to their chances against their bitter rivals.
Importance of a win- A top 4 place
Both the teams will come out with an ambition of the prized Champions League spot. While Everton look to be ahead in the race, we must not forget that the season has just started. With 30 games still left to play in the League Program, the tide can turn anytime. However, both teams need to be on their toes if they have to come out on tops.
For the first time in many years Everton finished above Liverpool last season. Liverpool's pride has been hurt and like wounded lions they will want to correct the wrongs of the previous year. On the flip side Everton would love to show that they are not a one season miracle and with the quality they possess, they can surely pip their cross town rivals this time around also.
Winner of this tie can well be hot on the heels of the new top four of Chelsea, United, Arsenal and City. Loser will have to do with losing ground.
The Final Verdict
As mentioned the stakes are quite high and we can expect some open ended football. None of the defenses are in top form and we can expect goals to be the order of the day. Everton hold a slight advantage as they will be at home. More so ever, Everton have a more firepower going upfront and could well upstage Liverpool in a 3-2 victory. We can surely expect a high voltage, action packed and a tie just like that of a wrestling bout.
Written By,
Aman Arora and Rishabh Ghai
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
Importance of a win- A top 4 place
Both the teams will come out with an ambition of the prized Champions League spot. While Everton look to be ahead in the race, we must not forget that the season has just started. With 30 games still left to play in the League Program, the tide can turn anytime. However, both teams need to be on their toes if they have to come out on tops.
For the first time in many years Everton finished above Liverpool last season. Liverpool's pride has been hurt and like wounded lions they will want to correct the wrongs of the previous year. On the flip side Everton would love to show that they are not a one season miracle and with the quality they possess, they can surely pip their cross town rivals this time around also.
Winner of this tie can well be hot on the heels of the new top four of Chelsea, United, Arsenal and City. Loser will have to do with losing ground.
The Final Verdict
As mentioned the stakes are quite high and we can expect some open ended football. None of the defenses are in top form and we can expect goals to be the order of the day. Everton hold a slight advantage as they will be at home. More so ever, Everton have a more firepower going upfront and could well upstage Liverpool in a 3-2 victory. We can surely expect a high voltage, action packed and a tie just like that of a wrestling bout.
Written By,
Aman Arora and Rishabh Ghai
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
Follow Aman Arora on Twitter
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
PS: You can read about the Chelsea v/s United game by clicking here.
No comments:
Post a Comment