Everton vs. Liverpool: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park to face Everton in the 225th Merseyside derby, with the pressure firmly on Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
With one win in their last eight games in all competitions, Rodgers' team desperately need a victory in this fixture ahead of the international break.
It will be far from easy though, with Everton arguably favourites for the game, a point ahead of their neighbours in the Premier League.
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Roberto Martinez's side are buoyed by their second-half comeback against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night and will be looking to pick up their first victory in this fixture since 2010.
Five years ago, Everton won 2-0 against a team managed by Roy Hodgson—the first game since New England Sports Ventures purchased the clubs.
Many supporters wanted Hodgson out after this performance, especially when he followed it up by claiming it was a good performance. "I refuse to accept that we were in any way outplayed or any way inferior," he said, per the Guardian. "I watched the performance and the second half was as good as I saw a Liverpool team play under my management that is for sure."
Given his recent words in the media, we could see similarly delusional comments from Rodgers should his side fail to collect the three points on Sunday.
"I haven't lost a derby yet (won one, drawn five) and they are always good games," said Rodgers in his pre-match press conference, per Sky Sports. If ever there were a manager putting a kiss of death on such a run.
Claiming his side need a "wee bit of luck, if we earn a bit of good fortune, we can win the game," hardly does anything to help Rodgers' evaporating reputation among Liverpool supporters.
This game last season ended in a 0-0 draw, and while Rodgers points to having not lost a Merseyside derby, he's never won one at Goodison Park, either, drawing 2-2 and 3-3 on the two other occasions.
Match Information
Date: Sunday, 4 October 2015
Time: 1:30 p.m. BST / 8:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool
Referee: Martin Atkinson
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 / NBCSN
Live Stream: Sky Sports 1 (UK)
Form Lines
Everton
Won 3-2 vs. West Brom
Won 2-1 vs. Reading (League Cup)
Drew 0-0 vs. Swansea
Won 3-1 vs. Chelsea
Drew 0-0 vs. Tottenham
Liverpool
Drew 1-1 vs. FC Sion (Europa League)
Won 3-2 vs. Aston Villa
Drew 2-2 vs. Carlisle United (League Cup)
Drew 1-1 vs. Norwich City
Drew 1-1 vs. Bordeaux (Europa League)
Predicted Formations
Martinez's main concerns are over defensive duo Seamus Coleman and John Stones, who both missed the game against West Brom on Monday with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.
The rest of the Blues side is pretty straightforward, with a settled 4-2-3-1 shape behind their strong form recently.
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway, McCarthy, Barry, Deulofeu, Barkley, Naismith, Lukaku.
The Liverpool side almost picks itself due to injuries in Rodgers' squad, although the boss said in his press conference that Christian Benteke's fitness will be assessed prior to the match—either way, the Belgian won't start the game.
Up front instead will be the two Daniels—Sturridge and Ings—who have looked decent when playing alongside each other, giving Liverpool the mobility they've lacked up front over the last 12 months.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Clyne, Lucas, Milner, Moreno, Coutinho, Ings, Sturridge.
Players to Watch
Everton: Ross Barkley
One of the reasons for Everton's positive form has been Barkley's showings of late, finally finding consistency that his potential promises. He's been the creative force behind Romelu Lukaku in attack, and the 21-year-old Scouser will be looking to make an impact for the first time in a Merseyside derby.
Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge's return has, of course, been huge for Liverpool. The England forward scored two superb goals last week in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, and his goals could be what saves Rodgers' job at Anfield.
Rested in midweek as Rodgers continues to ease him back to fitness, Sturridge will be looking to build on his tally of three goals against Everton in previous encounters.
Key Battle: Midfield
As ever with a derby of this intensity, the key battle could be in midfield. Both sides will be fielding experienced British players in there, with Gareth Barry up against James Milner. Alongside them will be James McCarthy and Lucas Leiva, with Barkley and Philippe Coutinho as each side's creative No. 10.
Whoever settles quickly and starts to control the game will be in a strong position, but Everton won't be too unsettled should they go behind—Liverpool have a habit of going ahead in games this season only to quickly give up that lead.
Key also will be the two managers' tactical management in-game. Liverpool should have options from the bench, particularly if Benteke is passed fit.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
Everton win: 29/20
Draw: 12/5
Liverpool win: 17/10
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Liverpool
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