Liverpool will face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Tuesday night in a Premier League match which will be important from the point of view of European qualification for the two city rivals.
The clash will be David Moyes’ first game for Everton after the celebration of his 10th year at the club last weekend with a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park. Everton have been in good form recently as their unbeaten streak has risen to nine matches.
Everton are just two points behind Liverpool in the League table and they would be looking to go ahead of their local rivals with a win in the derby.
On the other hand, the red half of Merseyside is looking under trouble after the 18-time English Champions slipped to a third consecutive league defeat for the first time in eight years with a 1-0 loss against Sunderland last weekend at the Stadium of Light.
Kenny Dalglish’s inability to pick up the best line-up has been a big concern for the Reds, as players like Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll – the two expensive signings last summer – have failed to make the most of the opportunities provided by Dalglish.
Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification have reduced now after the losses against Arsenal and Sunderland. So it is time for Dalglish to take some tough decisions by resting his expensive players and include experienced men like Craig Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez in the playing XI, if he has to achieve the seemingly impossible task of a top four finish.
Whatever King Kenny does, a victory is a must for him if he is to protect his respected position as the Liverpool manager.
Probable Line-ups:
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Jose’ Enrique, Kuyt, Gerrard, Adam, Downing, Suarez, Carroll/Bellamy
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Hibbert, Jagielka, Baines, Rodwell, Neville, Drenthe/Fellaini, Piennar, Stracqualursi, Cahill