Merseyside Derby Predictions
Turmoil just doesn’t seem a strong enough word to describe what’s going on at Liverpool at the moment.
Tom Hicks and George Gillett would argue otherwise but their tenure has undoubtedly overseen a downturn in Liverpool’s fortunes since the heady days of European triumph and defeat in this weekend’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park would cap what has been a disastrous start to Roy Hodgson’s reign at Anfield. To be fair, much of what has been going on at Liverpool has been outside the influence of Hodgson, whose dream move from Fulham has turned into a nightmare. Financial instability has meant he has been unable to remould the club as he would have wished and Liverpool are still waiting for those players he has signed, Joe Cole and Christian Poulsen in particular, to find their best form. With Fernando Torres still misfiring and Dirk Kuyt, Everton’s nemesis in recent times, now sidelined, they are surely worth opposing for their trip across Stanley Park.
Like their near-neighbours, the Toffeemen have also made a slow start to the campaign and it’s not inconceivable both teams could find themselves in the bottom three by kick-off time. But, unlike Liverpool, David Moyes‘ side look to have begun to turn the corner. They have yet to win in front of their own fans but signed off before the international break with a draw at Fulham and a deserved 2-0 victory at Birmingham.
They have already took points off Manchester United at Goodison and players and fans alike will view Liverpool’s visit as an opportunity to kick their old rivals when they are down. Phil Jagielka is expected to be fit after missing England’s game in midweek and Everton look a solid bet at 7/5 to take all three points, while Tim Cahill could be interesting in the first goalscorer market at 15/2.
Prediction: Everton to Win @ 6/4 with Bet365
