Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Liverpool (13th; 25 points) vs Everton (12th; 25 points)
When: Sunday 16th January, 2011, at 14:05 UK time
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
The Real Return of the King?
Kenny Dalglish’s return to the Liverpool dugout after 20 years, replacing the sacked Roy Hodgson, was something of a false start. A defeat at Old Trafford in the FA Cup to Manchester United, followed by a 2-1 loss at Blackpool in midweek, would appear to have put the dampeners on Dalglish’s return. But appearances can be deceptive and the Liverpool side that took to the pitch in Manchester and Blackpool showed more purpose, more desire and more drive than had any under Hodgson. If defeats can become turning points, then those two games may both qualify.
Dalglish is under no illusions about the size of task that awaits him however, trying his hardest to play down the derby with Everton, stating it just another three points. Alas, as the Scot well knows, and as Merseyside can sense, this battle may be the catalyst for the winners to go on and salvage something from a season approaching total mediocrity, even if the Liverpool legend sticks to the three points line.
"A derby win would give them [the players], the supporters of Liverpool and everybody a great lift, but would still only give us three points and we’ve got another game coming up the following week that we will want to get three points from too", said Dalglish. "We understand what the derby is all about, the people will hopefully understand we want to go and win it, but they’ve also got to understand it’s three points."
Trying to Find Momentum
Everton have, at times this season, shown their true colours, the talent the entire Premier League knows lies within them. It is this talent which led many Toffees fans to hope and dream of once again cracking the top four. But a Champions League finish won’t be happening this season for David Moyes’ men, and the Scottish boss knows the main reason for that is a failure to build on impressive performances when they do come. If Everton can break this cycle, and build momentum, then a Europa League spot is not an unrealistic ambition.
Up front is an area where Moyes has had real worries. Everton’s strikers have failed to fire consistently, with Louis Saha, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford looking well off the pace of an established Premier League goal-getter. It came as little surprise that Moyes loaned Yakubu to Leicester City this week in order to provide the Nigerian with more playing time and already the decision to reject a summer bid from West Ham for the player looks a missed opportunity.
Nevertheless, Moyes will target a win he knows would give Everton’s supporters a boost, and the three points would be most welcome. "Well, that is really important, we know we have to try and get some points", explained the Scot, "we want to keep moving up the table and get closer to the top and away from the bottom."
Recent form
Liverpool:
Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Liverpool
(05/01; Premier League)
Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool (09/01; FA Cup)
Blackpool 2-1 Liverpool
(12/01; Premier League)
Everton:
Stoke City 2-0 Everton
(01/01; Premier League)
Everton 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (05/01; Premier League)
Scunthorpe United 1-5 Everton (08/01; Premier League)
Key absences
Liverpool: Steven Gerrard (suspended); Jamie Carragher; Jay Spearing
Everton: Tim Cahill (Asian Cup); Phil Jagielka
Players to watch
Liverpool – Fernando Torres: Upon taking his place in the Anfield hot seat, Dalglish stated his intention to do all he could to help Torres rediscover his best form, knowing full well how important the Spaniard is for Liverpool. And Torres has responded. Although the result was not the right one at Blackpool, Torres scored and looked sharp. If Liverpool provide the service, Torres will produce the magic, and the derby will be closer to being won.
Everton – Seamus Coleman: The young Irishman is turning heads right across the Premier League and it is no wonder with his surging runs and determined play. Coleman will look to get at Liverpool, with his driving runs towards the byline very difficult to stop. At 22 years old a bright future awaits and, given Liverpool’s unsure defending of late, Coleman has the chance to put a nail into the coffin of the Reds’ season at Anfield.
Match prediction
This is a game which would be impossible to call at the best of times – Merseyside derbies always are – but given that both Liverpool and Everton are in far from fine fettle it is almost impossible. The return of Kenny Dalglish, in his first game back at Anfield, should lift the crowd and the team, but will it be enough to overcome Everton? This feels like a draw, although perhaps one with a few goals to its name. Liverpool 2-2 Everton.
