The week has come upon us for the first Merseyside derby of the year. Win this and we go back to the top of the table, even if it is only for an hour or 2. It still keeps our momoentum going, and keeps the pressure on our rivals.
Going on current form, this could be a very tough test for us, but as everyone knows this is a derby and anything can happen. Everton are in great form at home, winning 4, including against Chelsea, and drawing 2 of their last 6 home games. Our last 5 away games have resulted in 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss to Arsenal. In terms of form in the derby, we are unbeaten in 6, going back to 2010 for our last loss. There was 2 draws last year, including away where we were robbed by the linesman, but treated to Suarez's brilliant celebration in front of Moyes. The season before had us winning all 3 games, Stevie's hat-trick at home, and Suarez & Carroll scoring for both the games at Goodison & at Wembley.
We had a good few players involved in internationals over the past few days (most notably Gerrard, Sturridge, Suarez, Sakho with henderson getting game time too but the biggest worries will be Suarez who comes back late and Sturridge with his fitness issues). Sahko grabbed a goal for france, staking his claim for a place to start up front and bust out more of his moves
As well documented, Martinez had the chance to manage us but Rodgers got the job. We bet his Wigan team comfortably last year home & away by a couple of goals each time.
Everton are in good form under Martinez and could prove to be a stern test. They are playing some good football this year, certainly better than under Moyes. They play a free-er style of football, like to pass it like ourselves. This could be a game for purists! Lukaku will certainly be a handful for whichever centre-backs start, be it Srktel, Agger, Sahko or all 3. Srktel or Agger did not do too well up against Lukaku at West Brom last year so maybe Sakho will be brought back in again to deal with his physicality, and will be buzzing after qualifying with France mid-week. Everton can still cause a problem at set pieces from Baines who will also be a threat. McCarthy & Barkley like to play football too.
In my opinion, 3 in midfield is key for this one. Stop Barry giving it to McCarthy/Osman to play the ball. Press them and we will cause problems. Barry is still a decent player but lacks that pic of pace so if we attack them & press them with pace we should out perform them. We took an early lead last year, but lost it. Wisdom was having a sinker at RB so switched to 3 at the back to shore it up and came away with a point. I'm not sure whether to go 3 at the back this time or not, because we still need the 3 in midfield. Johnson & Henderson should prove to be a good pairing on the right to match Baines.
Even tho Suarez is only coming back on Thursday, I would still start him. He had his rest at the first 6 games. I would start with pretty much he same team as the Fulham game.
Mignolet
Johnson Srktel Sahko Enrique
Lucas
Henderson Gerrard
Coutinho
Suarez Sturridge
