After the final international break of the year, Liverpool begin a tough run of games away to Everton this Saturday lunchtime.
Saturday, 23rd November 2013; 12.45pm kick-off
Premier League
Goodison Park
It’s the 221st meeting between these two local rivals, and the first Merseyside Derby for new Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who was heavily linked with the Liverpool job, before Brendan Rodgers was approached.
Liverpool can go top of the Premier League with victory, with current league leaders Arsenal playing Southampton later in the afternoon.
Everton though are high up the table themselves and three points against the Reds would put them level on points after 12 games.
The opposition
The team from across Stanley Park are looking much stronger this season in their post-David Moyes era.
Some shrewd summer signings have seen Martinez build a strong first team, although their squad continues to lack depth.
After victories over Hull City and Aston Villa, the Blues have been stopped in their tracks and held to goalless draws in their last two games at home to Tottenham and away at lowly Crystal Palace.
However, they have only lost once this season (away at Southampton), less than any other team in the league, joint with Southampton.
Everton have no major injury concerns and could welcome back long-term absentees Tony Hibbert and Antolin Alcaraz, though they are unlikely to start.
In this fixture last season, Rodgers’ first taste of Derby intensity, the teams shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
It’s 14/1 for history to repeat itself with a 2-2 draw this time round.
Team news
Liverpool are without Jose Enrique for the short trip to Goodison Park. The Spanish left-back is to undergo surgery on his troublesome knee.
Aly Cissokho could play in place of Enrique, although the possibility of Glen Johnson switching to left-back and Jon Flanagan at right-back has also been talked about amongst fans this week.
Daniel Sturridge may not start the game as he continues to struggle with a dead leg, but did play for England on Tuesday night against Germany.
Luis Suarez, fresh back from Uruguay where he helped his country qualify for the World Cup in midweek, looks set to start.
Kolo Toure is fit again after injury.
Let us know your predicted line-up in the comments below, or on Twitter @thisisanfield .
Top Betting Tip
Luis Suarez to score and Liverpool to win 3/1 . £25 wins you £75! Get your FREE £25 BET here!
TV coverage
The match is live on BT Sport at 12.45pm and match highlights are on BBC One’s Match of the Day from 10.30pm.
petikan dari Liverpool FC, This is Anfield, Teamtalk
About the Author
0 comments: