Everton are stronger in a number of defensive aspects and that could be decisive on Tuesday. Testament to Everton’s work ethic is their higher number of interceptions and better tackle success rate. In their final third, Everton are compact without the ball and cautious with it. Liverpool’s expansive game makes them more open to losing possession and more vulnerable to counter attacks.
Everton and Liverpool boast two of the league’s best four defences. However, in terms of goals scored, Liverpool (30) and Everton (28) are in the bottom six. Upon closer inspection, it is easy to see why both struggle for goals. Leighton Baines, a left back, creates more than any Liverpool player does. This reflects poorly on a Liverpool side that harbour top four ambitions. Likewise, whilst Baines is one of the league’s best full backs, the Everton midfielders need to share the creative burden. The next Everton player, Leon Osman (23), is well behind Baines.
Everton’s injury problems are gone with only Darron Gibson (Knee) missing out. Steven Pienaar will return to the squad after loan conditions kept him out of the Tottenham win. Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is out for the season (Knee). Full back Glen Johnson (Hamstring) may return but Daniel Agger (Fractured Ribs) is likely to miss out.
Liverpool’s home form is frustrating their fans. The Reds tend to dominate games but struggle for results and four wins from 13 is not good enough. The Red’s problem is turning dominance into wins with eight of those 13 ending in draws. Everton’s unbeaten run has provided the club with a renewed sense of optimism. Moyes side’s impressive run of form has seen them lose two of their last 16. Both sides want three points for different reasons and that makes for an intriguing clash.
Match Facts
Everton have won 1 of the last 10 league derbies
Everton’s last 3 away games have ended in draws
3 of the last 4 Anfield derbies have been drawn
David Moyes is in his 10th consecutive season as a manager in the derby; a feat matched only by Harry Catterick and Bill Shankly
This is the 217th meeting – making it the most played fixture in English football