The race for fourth place has become a whole lot more interesting with Manchester United’s acquisition of Juan Mata, and the £37million purchase will resonate 35 miles down the road from Old Trafford. The importance of one of these two city rivals claiming all three derby points has become more marked, with home advantage making Liverpool slight favourites, However, the injuries are starting to mount with Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho (both hamstring) the latest victims. The 3-3 draw at Goodison Park in November was a high-tempo affair with seven yellow cards and Kevin Mirallas lucky to avoid a red for a high challenge on Luis Suarez, and it’s unlikely to be any different on Tuesday night. Everton have injury doubts of their own with fears over Ross Barkley and both centre backs, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, with loan signing Lacina Traore in line to make his debut. With it difficult to separate the two sides any small advantage could prove crucial, so the presence of a 6ft 8ins striker – nicknamed the Gentle Giant – may persuade Roberto Martinez to start with his new Ivorian. What to watch out for: Red cards – the reverse fixture was lucky not to see a sending off, and with this game even more high pressure, don’t expect the game to end with 22 players on the pitch Possible line ups: Liverpool – Mignolet; Kelly, Skrtel, Toure, Flanagan, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez. Everton – Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Osman, Barkley, Lukaku, League Form: Liverpool – WLLWWD Everton – WLWDWD Prediction: 3-1
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:09:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015