Liverpool vs Everton: Everton’s most important Merseyside Derby since 1980s
There are those who say it’s hyperbole. But, this is Everton’s most important Merseyside Derby since the 1980s. It was Howard Kendall’s fourth season as Everton manager when Graham Sharp’s volley gave the Toffees a 1-0 victory at Anfield. in October 1984 as the Blues nabbed their first league title since 1969-70.
A win on Saturday will give the Royal Blues the same number of points as their neighbours – 40. And unless there is a Toffees’ goal avalanche, Liverpool will still have their nose in front based on goal difference. Neither side has been playing well lately. The Reds have lost their last three and Everton have drawn once and lost twice.
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The Toffees haven’t won at Anfield since 1999, when Kevin Campbell netted in the early going and Everton held on as two Reds, Sander Westerveld and Steven Gerrard joined Francis Jeffers in taking early baths.
The Merseyside derby is a vital fixture for Everton
Blues’ boss Carlo Ancelotti knows how important this Derby match-up is. After the loss to Manchester City, he told Amazon Prime:
"But we have to try and get points [against Liverpool] because it’s a fantastic opportunity and an exciting game. We know how important for our supporters this game is. We’ll do all we need to try and get the result on Saturday."
And while neither team has impressed in recent games, Ancelotti is quick to acknowledge that his side has played much better away from Goodison and Liverpool has been miserable in recent matches at Anfield. The Reds have lost three straight matches at home.
Everton is unbeaten in their travels since the 1 November with five wins and two draws including a stirring comeback in a 3-3 against Manchester United and 2-1 wins at Leeds and Wolves.
Club’s leading scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin has missed the last two outings with a hamstring injury. Calvert-Lewin has 13 goals in 19 league appearances and had re-found his goal-scoring touch with two goals in his last two outings.
Ancelotti hasn’t disclosed whether Calvert-Lewin will be ready for Saturday, but it’s likely James Rodriguez, Everton’s Colombian creator will play.
Ancelotti says Calvert-Lewin gives his team the opportunity to play in different ways. The 23-year-old England international gives Everton pace in attack and an aerial threat as would be expected from somebody who wears No. 9 for Everton. Calvert-Lewin was a toddler the last time the Toffees won at Anfield and didn’t exist when the Sharp scored that volley at Anfield.
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Unlike 1984, a Blues’ victory won’t foreshadow Everton winning the league crown, but it will leave a marker as Ancelotti continues to rebuild the blue half of Merseyside.