- This fixture has produced more red cards than any other PL game (20)
- Everton have won just one of last 13 Merseyside derbies (W1, D5, L7)
- Tim Howard will start his 272nd Premier League game for Everton, a club record
This game doesn’t need much hype, but after both Everton and Liverpool have enjoyed successful starts to the 2013-14 season... expect an extra spice to adorn this Merseyside derby.
It’s Blue vs. Red, second vs. sixth and bragging right are on the line.
Two old foes will battle it out at Goodison on Saturday, (Watch live on NBCSN, 7:45am ET and live online via NBC Sports Live Extra) as a clash of style, panache and skill will likely descend into an all out brawl.
Everton are desperate to get a stranglehold on the derby after winning just one of the last 13 league meetings between the two sides. Roberto Martinez has brought a different style of play to the Toffees and they look organized and extremely solid, as they previously did under David Moyes. In Romelu Lukaku, the Toffees have a game-changer and his personal battle with Kolo Toure will be just one of a number of intriguing match ups.
As for Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers’ side sit second in the table but just three points ahead of their no so friendly neighbors Everton. A great start has continued but a disappointing display against Arsenal a few weeks back has left plenty of doubt surrounding Liverpool’s top four credentials.
(Exclusive: Tim Howard on Everton vs. Liverpool - ‘We’ll be heroes if we win’)
The Reds will always play attractive soccer under Rodgers after he fostered that style at Swansea after Everton’s manager Martinez laid the foundations for the Swans while they were in the Championship. In many respects the two managers who will square off on Saturday share the same soccer philosophy.
But they’ll be hoping they come out on top to send their fans home happy and with local bragging rights for the foreseeable future.
Injury wise Everton are fighting fit and have no fresh concerns, while Liverpool will be without left back Jose Enrique but Daniel Sturridge is set to shake off the numerous thigh and hamstring issues he has been suffering from.
What they’re saying
Roberto Martinez on the successful strike partnership of Suarez and Sturridge: “They have had a very good start to the season, they are very influential in their team. From that partnership up front, they have got a real goalscoring threat. You do see why Liverpool have been successful this season, it is not an accident. I do feel they are a strong side. But as a team, you are always used to coping with threats of the opposition. It is more about what we can do and how we can perform in the derby rather than being worried about what the opposition can bring.”
Brendan Rodgers on the nasty atmosphere his side will face: “It’s a really hostile environment to go and play in, but our players coped with it brilliantly. It’s a real good venue for football and it’s a ground that will test your character. But that’s something we will look forward to, because, if there’s one thing that we’ve improved in the time that I’ve been here, is there’s resilience in the team.”
Prediction
Liverpool are in second place and working hard to try and chase down Arsenal at the top of the table. Their dominance in the Merseyside derby against Everton in recent years has seen them become the undisputed kings of the city, however with Roberto Martinez Toffees’ knowing a win could put them level on points with their illustrious neighbors, expect Everton and the vibrant home crowd to be fired up. The Toffees are great at the back and I think both teams will cancel each other and a draw will prevail.