Merseyside derby has “draw” written all over it. I would go for a 1-1 as most pundits will as well.
Having said that, I still think there is enough chinks in the well drilled Everton armour so that we can get the 3 points.
Everton are a well disciplined side and Manchester City with all their technically gifted players had a real tough time breaking them last week. It took a nice Aguero dribble, a well placed back-heel pass to the talented but childish Balotelli whose excellent shot placed the ball perfectly in the net for the goal.
Everton’s game plan will be again to flood the midfield and hit a counter using Louis Saha (Cahill being doubtful). Also set piece will be a threat with Felliani, Jagielka and co.
Considering above Everton’s game plan, I hope King Kenny drops Caroll and plays both Henderson and Kuyt. While one understands Kenny’s idea of giving more game time to new recruits so they bed in faster, derbies are not the time to do it.
My best Liverpool XI for any fixture would be Agger, Carra as CB; Enrique, Johnson as FB; Lucas, Adam, Gerrard in CM; Bellamy, Downing in wings; Suarez as striker. A rough 4-2-3-1 formation.
Now considering the personnel at disposal right now and Everton’s plan, I would be using the following:
Skrtel, Carra – CB; Enrique, Kelly – FB; Lucas, Adam, Henderson – CM; Kuyt, Downing – wings; Suarez – striker.
Having 3 players in central midfield is really important as we really don’t want to be overloaded in that sector especially in a derby. I really hope Kenny doesn’t play both Caroll and Suarez. Adam is slow in midfield and needs space and time on the ball to make those killer passes. He would need help from both Lucas and Henderson in midfield. I am also opting for Kuyt rather than Bellamy; my preferred choice in other games; as one really does not want a hot head in a passionate derby such as this one. This derby almost always gets shown a dozen cards. The ref will be having a real tough time in this one. Kuyt is also much more defensively aware and will be an asset in the much congested midfield. He also has a good record in derbies.
If the game is going downhill, none better then the double sub of Bellamy and Gerrard to change it. Bellamy has formed an excellent rapport with Suarez the little time they have been together on the pitch. Gerrard also looked real sharp for the ten minutes he came on the pitch in the last game.
All said and done, in Kenny we trust. He has the best instinct and the best interest of Liverpool in his heart.
Go LFC! YNWA!!
vinaysuchede 