The Merseyside derby in recent years has been little more than a match between two local rivals. But this year there is more at stake as Liverpool and Everton are fighting each other for the fourth and final Champions League spot. What more can you ask for, to spice up the local rivalry?
Liverpool fans could point the finger of blame at referee Steve Bennett for the three-goal defeat at Old Trafford, but they should look no further than the idiotic behaviour of Javier Mascherano. Truth be told, the Merseyside Reds just aren’t good enough to challenge Manchester United for the Premiership this season.
Liverpool must pick up the pieces and get ready for Everton at Anfield this Sunday. Rafa has got two last chances to save his job. The first will be in the derby on Sunday, where it's not just Rafa's job on the line, but also Liverpool's pride is at stake. The second one awaits him the following week, when they meet Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals. Would you trade jobs with Rafa? Who wouldn’t!
On the other side of town there is Everton, they are having an excellent season, and have been in great form, even though they did stumble twice in their last two matches against Fulham and West Ham. Had they of won instead of drawing last Saturday at Goodison Park, they would be level on points with Liverpool. This shows just how well they are doing this term.
In the last meeting between the teams Liverpool were the better side having seven shots to target, compared to Everton's one. Not surprising then that Liverpool players scored all three goals in the match, which finished 2-1. Everton ended the game with 9 men, and had a stonewall penalty controversially denied by referee Mark Clattenburg in the dying seconds of the match. Expect to see fireworks.
The bookies believe Liverpool are clear favourite at 4/5, while Everton’s price is an attractive 18/5.
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