HomeZ OLD CATEGORIESEPLLiverpool v Everton | Match & Stats Preview

Liverpool v Everton | Match & Stats Preview

David Moyes takes his Everton side to Anfield on Tuesday evening. The last Everton win, at Anfield, came in September 1999 with five Liverpool wins and seven draws since. David Moyes will want to improve his derby record. During his 10-year reign at Everton, he has won three of his 21 derbies, drawn six and lost 11.

The two sides are in contrasting form with Liverpool losing their last three league games. Defeats to Sunderland, Arsenal and Manchester United derailed Liverpool’s hope of a top four finish. Everton, however, can point to recent home wins over Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham. The Toffees are unbeaten in nine, in all competitions.

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt and Everton’s Tim Cahill relish this fixture. Kuyt’s derby record is impressive with three goals in his last four and five in total. Cahill’s five goals is the best return by an Everton player, since the days of Dixie Dean, with the Australian’s goals coming from just 12 derby appearances.

Tony Hibbert will overtake Duncan Ferguson’s club Premier League record of 16 derby appearances, if he features at Anfield. Hibbert is a local lad and his tough tackling epitomizes the fierce nature of derby matches. Since the Premier League’s creation in 1992, this fixture holds the record for red cards (20).

Everton are reliant on crosses, due to the impact of Leighton Baines, with the Toffees register more crosses than most teams (650). However, one of the few teams to use crossing more often is Liverpool (793). Liverpool’s crossing totals and greater aerial ability could see Andy Carroll starting. The Liverpool centre forward is Liverpool’s best forward, in the air, winning 60% of his aerial 50/50s with Luis Suarez (42%) and Dirk Kurt (37%) some way behind. Marouane Fellaini will be vital for Everton; the Belgian wins 77% of his aerial 50/50s. This may prove pivotal when defending crosses and set pieces.

Moyes has instilled a great work ethic in his Everton side and this could be crucial on Tuesday. Derbies tend to serve up poor football, often decided on mistakes and debatable decision. Given the competitive nature of the game, defensive aspects will take on great important.

More on Page 2: Defensive stats continued plus creators…

Luke O'Farrell
Luke O'Farrellhttp://www.viewfromtheroyalbluemersey.wordpress.com
Write about Everton for ESPN and EPL Index. Evertonian with a keen interest in the tactical and statistical. Twitter: @lukeofarrell
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