It’s almost the weekend and that means time-off and EPL on ESPN. This Saturday at 7:45am (EST) on ESPN2 Liverpool FC host Everton in a massive rivalry game known throughout the world as ‘The Merseyside Derby’. Both clubs are native to the city of Liverpool with Everton the older brother of the two, however lacking the lifetime success of younger brother Liverpool FC. Within the city your allegiance can be as easy to see as black and white or should I say blue and red.
The blue half of Merseyside, Everton, is having a roller coaster like season. Starting with high hopes of finishing in the top six and possibly cracking the top four. Things have not gone to plan for Everton and they currently sit in 9th place ten points off the top four. A horrid start and poor form away from home has been the main cause of Everton’s mediocre season, a strong finish could be just enough to resurrect the clubs preseason goals and a win against hated rivals Liverpool could be the start.
The red half of Merseyside, Liverpool, is also having a roller coaster like season. Expectations galore were overflowing from Liverpool fans after last seasons 2nd place finish and remarkable run of form to close the season left fans saying next year is our year. A lack of activity in the summer transfer market kicked off a drunken start from Liverpool, losing two of their opening three games, tying their loss total from all of last term. Since then things have failed to improve much and now Liverpool fans are staring at a season without Champions League soccer right in the face. A top four finish is the last thing Liverpool fans thought would be the main focus at this point in the season, but it appears that can it be their sole triumph. Liverpool appear to be getting things together, it has however appeared this way before, only for them to stumble and fail much like a baby learning to walk. With recent must win victories against Tottenham and Aston Villa, Liverpool could have finally begun to show some heart and a win against city rivals Everton could provide a massive boost.
Prediction:
Liverpool 2 Everton 2
As a Liverpool supporter it hurts me to write that, but if I am honest with you and myself Liverpool have it all to lose and Everton is in the classic position of spoiler. I fear Liverpool will not take them game as seriously as Everton will, resulting in a bombardment from Everton to open the game and set the tone. I truly hope I get this one completely wrong but I’m taking the draw and if I was forced to pick a side….it would be Everton, ewww I need a shower.
Stars to watch
For Everton I’ve talked about him before, keep your eyes on Tim Cahill. This hardnosed Aussie is one of the most underrated players in the world. He is renown for his toughness and ability in the air. Despite being just 5’ 10” Cahill is arguably the best header of the ball in the EPL, he has a knack of being where the ball is and a knack of ruining my day when facing Liverpool.
For Liverpool I’m not going with Gerrard or Kuyt, I’m going with a guy that does all the dirty work, Javier Mascherano. This highly charged Argentine is such a vital part of how Liverpool plays. Mascherano IS the best defensive midfielder in the world and never really gets his due (as most defenders don’t). Mascherano does things that don’t show up in the match facts or box score. His tackling is second to none and his ability to breakup the opposing teams forward play is why Liverpool paid 17m (GBP) for him. He does have a downside as many great defenders do, his temper. If Mascherano loses it and Liverpool go down to 10 men things will obviously go down from their, if he keeps it together and does what he is so great at Liverpool have every chance of winning the clash.
Also remember to follow SOSoccer on Twitter for all your news and updates, and we we will be tweeting during this Saturdays game on ESPN
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