Everton will host city rivals Liverpool as we head into the 219th Merseyside Derby this Sunday afternoon. An early Sunday kick-off always makes for a subdued atmosphere in a fixture that used to bristle with fierce tackling and raucous chanting throughout the 1980’s golden period for these two historic clubs.
The ferocious competitiveness has waned as the huge success of both these clubs has declined; with neither team challenging for the title in over 20 years, the importance of the result has altered with now only local pride at stake.
The outsider’s view of this game as a “friendly” derby is a rather false perception, although there is an undoubtedly genuine spirit of togetherness which has been largely fostered in the wake of the Hillsborough tragedy.
The major difference for local supporters is the growing sense of doom that these fixtures generate when the match is approaching; whereas this was once a game to look forward to and enjoy (the atmosphere, the quality footballers), it is now something to be endured because of the growing trend of boring stalemate’s that the teams have played out.
This is really due to the nature of modern football more than anything specific about this fixture. In Derby days of old, fans would demand 100% commitment but nowadays rash tackles can result in immediate dismissal. Take last October at Goodison Park for example – the game begins, and it’s an exciting, entertaining one for a change, full of meaty tackling and attacking endeavour from both teams. What happens next? The referee shows Everton’s Jack Rodwell a red card in the 23rd minute for a tackle that did not merit a yellow one even, and most certainly wouldn’t have been considered a foul in the 1980’s. This effectively ruined the game and it retreated into the usual cautious stalemate.
Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes will be well aware of the dangers of red cards in Derby matches, and will therefore coach there players to not make rash challenges or commit themselves full bloodedly or do anything that might result in enlivening the crowd and creating an entertaining spectacle.
Everton may be without their three best players over the last twelve months on Sunday as Gibson and Fellaini have injury doubts while Pienaar is suspended. Their one ray of hope is the Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic, but without the support from the excellent Marouane Fellaini he could be an isolated figure up front for the Blues.
Liverpool will field a relatively inexperienced side when it comes to appearences in Derby games, however, the youngsters Sterling, Assaidi and Sosa all look like very skilful and competent footballers. The new passing, patient style under Rodgers could contribute to what I believe will be a game low on goal-scoring opportunities.
In fact, the best betting value for this game would be to go for the draw at 3.3 Euro Odds. Everton have drawn their last two games in the Premier League while Liverpool have scored just two goals in their last three outings after Thursday night’s 1-0 Europa League win.
Everton may have lost some guile with the absence of Fellaini (reports suggest he may feature on Sunday but he won’t be 100% fit) but have remained resolute in defence with the formidable partnership of Distin and Jagielka.
Liverpool are relying on Luis Suarez to convert the limited chances, but in general it is their overall lack of penetrative play that has been the problem for them this season.
We are statistically well overdue a draw at Goodison Park in a Merseyside Derby and this Sunday could be the one.
Recommended Bet
England Premier League
Everton v Liverpool, Sunday, 28 Oct 2012, 13:30
10 points on a draw, best odds 3.30 @ Ladbrokes
or bet £10 risk free at skybet
