Liverpool-Derby: Anfield Expects

With a safe route to the Champions League group stage already secured, Liverpool's focus returns to the league campaign this weekend as Derby visits Anfield.

Whilst further success in Europe would not be shunned, the Kop craves the one trophy that has eluded them for 17 years. Games like the one against Derby must be mere formalities if the club is to be crowned Premier League champions in May.

Derby have struggled since their reintroduction to the top tier of English football. After a earning a hard-won point at home against Portsmouth on opening day, Derby have faltered in three Premier League games, and were beaten 2-1 by fellow promotees Birmingham.

Tuesday's elimination from the Carling Cup—on penalties against Blackpool—won't help the squad's confidence. Billy Davies is a bright, enthusiastic manager, but the limited resources available to him will make it tough to avoid relegation this year.

Derby fans are hoping the signing of Celtic's Kenny Miller on transfer deadline day will provide some much-needed potency on the front line. Derby's survival doesn't necessarily hinge on what happens this weekend, but they'll certainly be looking to take some positives out of the game.

Rafa Benitez, meanwhile, doesn't share Davies' problems—the club's summer additions allow him to effectively field two different teams each week. 

Second-guessing Benitez's starting XI has proved difficult since his arrival three years ago; the quality and depth of the squad make it nearly impossible now.

Expect Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, and Steve Finnan to all return to the starting lineup after bench-warming on Tuesday. Gerrard will not be risked after sustaining a broken toe earlier in the month, whilst Carragher is facing at least another week on the sidelines after breaking his ribs last weekend. 

Voronin, Kuyt, and Crouch will all be in contention to partner with Torres up front, and have all found the back of the net in the young season.

With such a gap in ability between the two sides, expect a comfortable win for the home club. Benitez likes his teams to play patient, passing football—which can often look laboured. With the right personnel now in place, though, we may see his visions of perfect football finally realized.

Liverpool should control the game from the off and log the lion's share of possession. Having only conceded two penalties so far this season, Pepe Reina has been mostly a spectator in the Liverpool goal. That's likely to be the case again this weekend.