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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Nikica Jelavic of Everton celebrates with Marouane Fellaini after scoring his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on September 29, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool and Everton derbies have produced more red cards than any other EPL derby. This brings into light the tough competition that takes place between the two Merseyside neighbours. We can therefore expect all hell to break loose when these two sides meet on 28 October 2012 for their first derby of the 2012/2013 season. The match is going to be played at high tempo with tackles flying in, and one can expect this to be an end to end game at Goodison Park.
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Everton have started the league in good fashion with only a single loss till date, but Liverpool have witnessed one of their worst starts to the EPL season with three losses in eight matches under their new manager Brendan Rodgers. But their quality of play has been entertaining and they only need to improve in the final third, where goals have been at a premium rate. On the positive front, Liverpool have started to win matches which has instilled confidence in them. They have won three of their last five matches.
But Everton have moved from strength to strength, losing just once in their last five competitive games. David Moyes will be eager to improve his derby record against Liverpool, where he has only won four out of the 23 derbies played so far. This stat is surely going to make Liverpool fans happy.
Everton have gotten the better out of their two attacking players Fellani and Jelavic, who will provide a strong test to Liverpool defenders, who have looked good in patches. These two well built players could make life difficult for Liverpool, especially in aerial encounters. Brendan Rodgers needs to draw up a tactical plan to counter their strength. In midfield, Naismith, Neville and Osman will hold the key for Everton.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Alex McCarthy of Reading stops the shot of Jonjo Shelvey of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Reading at Anfield on October 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool, with youngsters such as Suso and Sterling on the wings, have the width and quality to unsettle the Everton defenders, but their lack of experience in big matches could pressurize them. It is at this juncture that players like Gerrard need to step up and come up with a captain’s role alongside Suarez, who has looked good until he reaches the face of goal. Only against Norwich did he score three goals, otherwise, his finishing has been found wanting. But no defender in the world is going to doubt his quality, as he can make defenders look foolish when he has the ball at his feet.
The derby has come at the right time with both teams in good form, which means the match is surely going to a close one. A small mistake could lead to a difference to the match. Liverpool are lying in 12th with just nine points, and are in desperate need of a win to move up the table.
