England: Everton v Liverpool

This weekends Merseyside Derby kicks off at lunchtime on Saturday as Everton play host to Liverpool in what should be a cracker. Both teams are in really good form, with only three points separating them in the league table. Liverpool have an opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal and go top of the Premier League if only for a short time, while Everton can join Liverpool on 23 points with a win. 'The Derby' as it is know locally, is probably the only one in World Football where there is no fan segregation as so many family and friends support both clubs, and it's not uncommon to see them sitting together and cheering on their respective clubs.

Everton, going into this game are on a 4-game unbeaten run, have a very settled team, only changing formation to suit the opponent. Very good defensively with rocks Sylvan Distan and Phil Jagielka at the heart of the defense, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines marauding down both wings and quite dangerous from free-kicks. In midfield both Gareth Barry and James McCarthy keep things nice and tight while allowing Osman, Mirallas and Pienaar to stream forward to link up with man-mountain Lukaku. Romelu Lukaku has been one of the stars of the Premier league this year, 5 goals in 7 games, it's hard to figure out why Chelsea let him go on loan. I'm sure Jose Mourinho is scratching his head and wondering too.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez

Liverpool, on the back of a 4-0 victory over a poor Fulham side will have to juggle a bit defensively as Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term injury. Either Sissoko or Sakho will probably fill in for him. Brendan Rodgers is still tinkering with his side on a regular basis, not quite sure what his best formation or best midfield partnership is. Lucas, Henderson and Gerrard seem to feature regularly, but Coutinho is also an option. However that just means they don't have much width, unless he decides to unleash young Rahim Sterling, especially after his goal scoring exploits during the week with England's U-21's. That just leaves the dynamic duo of Suarez and Sturridge. What can you say about these two? Wonderfully talented, both posses such qualities, you would be delighted to have just one of these on your team don't mind both.

It's going to be a wonderful game to watch as both Rodgers and Everton boss Roberto Martinez like their teams to play flowing, attractive football. For me, I think despite all the attacking flair of both sides, a draw would suit both teams and it would continue their momentum. Fans of both sides could then go away happy.



Published by  @gersloveofsport  22 november