MATCH PREVIEW: Everton V Liverpool

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Image via www.skysports.com
After failing to get the better of FC Sion at Anfield on Thursday evening, there's no escaping the pressure cooker for Brendan Rodgers. With a string of poor results and rumours rife that his replacement is being lined up, the manager can accept nothing more than a win in this all important Merseyside derby.

Rodgers has pointed to the fact that he is yet to lose a derby as manager but relying on such statistics is a dangerous ploy, especially when the Reds are failing to perform and Everton are actually playing pretty well.

Injuries for Liverpool mean they are without Firmino, Henderson and Lovren whilst Christian Benteke will be subject to a late fitness test after suffering hamstring issues. For Everton, the game could make perfect timing for John Stones and Seamus Coleman who are rumoured to be returning. Kevin Mirallas is serving a suspension.

The last time the two sides met was in February 2015 in one of the worst Merseyside derbies in recent history. It really was dull and the game ended with neither side finding the back of the net. The fixture prior to this was another draw, this time a 1-1 at Anfield in the league with Gerrard and Jagielka on the scoresheet. That 90th minute goal was heartbreaking!

In fact, in the last 10 meetings between the two sides in the league, six of those matches have ended in a draw. Our last three trips to Goodison Park have also finished honours even and to be honest, at the moment it feels like that's the best we can hope for on Sunday.

AUDIO: Brendan discusses the derby and insists we have played well on our visits to Goodison Park but have been unlucky.


Stat Sandwich

  • Liverpool have won just one of their last eight away games in the league.
  • Everton's win over West Brom earlier in the week is the first time they've come back from two goals behind to win a league game in 21 years.
  • Sturridge has scored six goals in his last eight cup and league games against the Toffees.

I'm looking forward to the match because I always look forward to Merseyside derbies but then I keep remembering that we're a load of crap at the moment and probably need a miracle to get all three points.

Add to this a manager's career is probably hanging in the balance, and you have a strange set of feelings going into this game. It's no secret that I'm not Brendan's biggest fan but it's never nice to see a manager go through this and to those fans hoping for a loss just to seal the deal? Wind yer neck in.

For me, that's pathetic, you should always want the team to win I don't care how much you hate the manager why would you want us to lose? And even worse, actually praying for a loss in the Merseyside derby? I've got no time for people like that I'm afraid.

I asked you for your score predictions and I got quite a few 2-2 draws through to be fair, I might have a quid on that!
Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!