Liverpool v Everton: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

Mar 29 2008

IT’S not just local pride at stake in this derby as both Merseyside clubs are battling for fourth place.

It was a similar scenario three years ago but Everton had the upper hand then and held out to secure the final Champions League qualification spot despite a 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

Liverpool defence v Everton attack

Pepe Reina has had a good season but he looked a little bit unsure against Manchester United in a similar display to the Goodison derby last season.

Although he’s a fine keeper, he’s a little bit hesitant on crosses and Everton will try and capitalise on this early on and put him under pressure.

Alvaro Arbeloa is looking solid at right-back after it took him a while to settle in.

He’s starting to push forward rather than just defending now that he’s more confident and if Steven Pienaar recovers then it could be an interesting battle down that flank.

On the other side, Fabio Aurelio has got over his injury problems and is good on the ball.

He’s composed and has a good left foot and if Mikel Arteta plays down the right.

Jamie Carragher is one of the best defenders around.

He has great commitment and character and is a lad you’d want with you in the trenches.

He’s struck up a promising partnership with the imposing Martin Skrtel who I expect will be detailed to look after Ayegbeni Yakubu.

They’re both powerful players and it should be quite a clash.

Yakubu has had an excellent goalscoring record wherever he’s played.

Liverpool will have to try and prevent him from getting opportunities in the first place because what impresses me is his ratio of scoring per chance.

If he plays then Andrew Johnson will provide a much different kind of threat.

He’s had to be patient at times this season for playing time but he’s still scoring goals.

Pace is his main asset and he’s run the channels while Yakubu can hold the ball up.

Whether or not to go to Anfield with two strikers starting will be a big decision for David Moyes.

Midfield

With Javier Mascherano suspended, Rafael Benitez is likely to employ Xabi Alonso and Lucas as his two holding players.

Alonso has great passing quality and vision and can switch his passing range which could prove fruitful in the derby with longer balls over the top.

Although Lucas is no Mascherano, he’s adapted to the physical side of Premier League football and rarely gives the ball away.

Lee Carsley is Mr Dependable for Everton and is a real unsung hero who you miss when he’s out of the side.

He seems to read danger before it happens and Everton might use him to try and snuff out Steven Gerrard.

Phil Neville is a vocal leader on the field and he could move back into the thick of the action in a central role if Tony Hibbert is recalled.

Out wide, Dirk Kuyt has adapted well and has an all-action style.

He doesn’t get into as many scoring positions as he might do but is now the main supply line for Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Ryan Babel likes to run at defenders and cut inside and offers a lot of pace.

Arteta could be crucial as he can unlock defences and won’t be fazed by the occasion.

Leon Osman is having his most consistent season and with his close control, he likes to play little one-twos.

Tim Cahill will be a big miss for Everton in the attacking midfield role but Gerrard will be there for Liverpool and the visitors will have to watch out for his surging runs.

Liverpool attack v Everton defence

Tim Howard is similar to Reina in that he’s athletic and agile and I suspect Manchester United would take him back if they could.

Tony Hibbert could come in at right-back to try and do a similar job to Babel to the one he did on Martin Petrov.

Joleon Lescott can get forward if he plays at left-back and can be a threat in the Liverpool penalty area.

Phil Jagielka is a competitive player who puts his body on the line with blocks and last ditch tackles.

Joseph Yobo is expected to come back in at centre-back and with his pace he’s likely to be given the task of trying to mark Torres.

Torres arrived with a big reputation and I think he announced himself with his hat-trick at Reading when he came through several heavy tackles.

He has electric pace and great movement.

Dangermen

STEVEN GERRARD – The captain is the man who makes Torres as potent as he is and if he plays well then Liverpool play well.

AYEGBENI YAKUBU – In form and out to become the first Everton player to score 20 goals in the Premier League era.

Overall verdict

Liverpool will be disappointed with the performance and result at Old Trafford and will want to put things right straight away.

Everton have been in good form since the turn of the year but their last two results have been disappointing.

Much will depend on how the respective defences handle the in-form strikers but I’m going to go for a draw.

Ronny Goodlass was speaking to CHRSTOPHER BEESLEY