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The Merseyside Derby has never needed any talking up , but the match on 28th might just be one of the most important derbies in recent times. With both Liverpool and Everton pushing hard for the coveted top 4 finish, this article looks into the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats both sides are going to face heading into the marquee clash on Tuesday.
LIVERPOOL
Strengths
When you talk about Liverpool, one man will be at the center of all discussions and that man is Luis Suarez. The Liverpool front man has been in top form this season and containing him seems to be just impossible for defences around the Premier League. Also, with the return of Daniel Sturridge to the line up, the Liverpool attack can boast of two top quality strikers. When the hard work of Henderson, the vision and drive of Gerrard and the brilliance of Coutinho are added to the mix, Liverpool certainly look like a very difficult team to contain. Also, at Anfield they have shown some solid form and coupled with the fact that they are the League’s second most prolific team, Everton’s defence will have a real task at hand to keep the Liverpool front men at bay.
Weaknesses
After a busy Christmas schedule, injuries have started taking a toll on the reds. The injury ravaged reds have key defensive players like Agger, Sakho and Enrique missing. Also, Liverpool have looked really vulnerable to quick counter attacks and set pieces. At Goodison park, Lukaku and Mirallas caused a host of problems to the Liverpool defence, and they will be looking to exploit the weakened back line of the reds. With key players like Sturridge, Joe Allen and Flanagan just returning from injuries, a match of this magnitude might really expose the physical frailties of the reds.
Opportunities
For the first time in four seasons, Liverpool have a realistic chance of finishing in the top 4 this season. A win over their Merseyside rivals will provide them the perfect boost to kick on and play some quality football in the second half of the season. With their home form being solid if not spectacular, Liverpool will be looking to put some distance between their fellow top 4 rivals by securing a positive result on tuesday night.
Threats
Liverpool have been in the top 4 positions from pretty much the beginning of this season and would like to keep it that way. With Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United all breathing down their necks, a loss here might just set the dominoes falling and cause real panic among both the fans and the players. A club of Liverpool’s stature definitely needs to play in the Champions League and it is these type of matches that have to be won to ensure their participation in Europe’s elite club competition next season.
EVERTON
Strengths
A team which is high on confidence, Everton have looked strong throughout the season. With impressive displays against Arsenal and Manchester United away, Everton have become really tough to beat. With the power and skills of Lukaku, the pace and trickery of Mirallas , the no nonsense play of Barry and a solid defensive back line with the likes of Leighton Baines in the team, Everton have more than enough players capable of creating a problem to the very best. Under Roberto Martinez, Everton have been playing football which is easy on the eye and managed to grind out results in some tough matches. After having performed admirably up to this point in the season, Everton will be going with no fear to Anfield .
Weaknesses
Just like their Merseyside rivals, Everton have also been hit with a spate of injuries . One of their best performers Coleman has been sidelined with a minor hamstring injury. Promising performers like Ross Barkely, Steven Pienaar, Oviedo and Gerard Deulofeu have also suffered injuries in the past few matches and will definitely miss out on Tuesday night. With a new look back line which has been largely untested this season, Suarez and Sturridge will be fancying their chances of getting on the score sheet. Also, Lukaku has been showing some indifferent form in the past few weeks, and they seem to lack a plan b if things start going wrong.
Opportunities
A win here will see them overtaking their great rivals in the League standings and will guarantee their position as serious top 4 contenders. Everton have quietly been going about their business this season, and a positive result at Anfield will go a long way in securing a European position for the next season.
Threats
With a solid if not spectacular start to the season, Everton are at a real risk of letting a promising position slip if they have a lackluster performance on Tuesday night. With all their top 4 rivals having arguably better squads on paper, Everton will have to really dig deep to grind out a result at Anfield .
X Factor
Look out for the battle of tactics between two of the most promising young managers – Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez.
All things said and done, the Merseyside derby will be a truly entertaining affair with many goals expected. If the last match between these two great rivals is anything to go by, we are definitely in for a treat on Tuesday night.
Who do you think is going to win? Leave a comment.
