Everton recorded their first win of 2015, and in nine games, with victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. It was a much needed success for Roberto Martinez and his players who have come under pressure in recent weeks. It was a run of form which dropped them into the bottom half and leaves them right up against it in a bid to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe next season. 14 points and and inferior goal difference behind Tottenham, who occupy sixth place, looks to be too big a gap to make up, and having challenged for the top four last season, this season has been somewhat of a disappointment for the Toffees. A win over their bitter rivals would go some way to bettering it.
The loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the injury problems Daniel Sturridge has suffered a meant the first half of this season was more of a transition than Brendan Rodgers would have hoped for after last season’s efforts. They lurked around mid-table, struggled to turn possession into goals and conceded too many goals. Since Rodgers changed formation in December, things have picked up and they look more assured in all areas. They have not lost a match in 90 minutes since losing to Manchesrer United – a run of 13 games. In that time they have claimed to within four points of the top four, qualified for the next round of the FA Cup and narrowly missed out on reaching the League Cup final, losing in extra time to Chelsea.
Despite their lack of wins in recent weeks, Everton have lost just once in their last eight Premier League game at home. That came against Stoke on Boxing Day but they have failed to beat struggling Hull and West Brom, in the last couple of months, and scored more than one goal on once occasion in their last five home games. The crowd have been quick to turn on the team during this period, which has added to the tension in the team. That shouldn’t be a problem on Saturday, though, in what is also a special atmosphere.
This will be Steven Gerrard’s last Merseyside derby after announcing he is set to leave to play in the MLS at the end of the season. He’s enjoyed considerable success in this game over the years, scoring nine goals. He’s stated that it’s the fixture he enjoys the most and you would not put it past him making an impact once again.
The win over Palace last week will have eased some of the pressure that was building on Martinez but this game carries so much pressure of it’s own. Liverpool have not lost against their city rivals since 2010 and they come into this game in the best form they have been in all season. Everton look a fragile side to me and I think Liverpool’s pace going forward will give them a lot of problems, providing Gerrard with the perfect send off.
Liverpool 13/10 @ Bet365
