Dream Merseyside lineup ahead of derby at the weekend
The Merseyside derby takes place this Sunday lunchtime, and it’s Everton sat 3 places above their Red rivals ahead of the huge game at Goodison.
Everton are a point ahead of Liverpool but have only lost one game all season, while Liverpool got back to winning ways on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
However, how would the teams lineup if they were merged? Who would get a starting place? Here’s a possible team in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard (Everton)
Despite getting older now, Howard is still #1 for reliability and consistency. Liverpool’s man in goal Simon Mignolet is a top shot-stopper, but lacks skills when faced with a ball in the air, as shown when Liverpool played Norwich at home two weeks ago. With Howard’s experience and ability, he would make the team ahead of Mignolet.
Right-back: Seamus Coleman (Everton)
The young Irishman is slowly developing into one hell of a player. He’s only 26 and already has tonnes of Premier League experience, a solid part of Everton’s starting XI, and would comfortably make it into this combined one. A much more developed player than Liverpool’s Nathanael Clyne, however he is certainly on the same path as Coleman.
Centre-back: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Nobody messes with Martin Skrtel. He is a good leader and commanding at the back with the ability to make crucial blocks/tackles and also get the odd goal himself. Essential to the Liverpool side and essential to this one too.
Centre-back – John Stones (Everton)
There’s a reason he was chased by Chelsea all summer. He is turning into a top class player under Roberto Martinez and really is a top replacement for John Terry. He’s cemented himself a place into Everton’s starting XI and would more and likely get the start in this side, too.
Left-back: Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)
I very nearly chose Leighton Baines for this spot, but Moreno just has a lot more energy and charisma in games, he has a hunger to win that Baines is lacking. Moreno also has the pace to do the long runs between attack and defence for the whole game, which gives him the very slight edge for the left-back spot.
Holding midfielder: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Not currently available to Liverpool at the moment with a foot injury, which may actually be a big factor in the game, Jordan Henderson is the man stepping up to try and replace Steven Gerrard at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. In terms of work ethic and leadership on the field, there aren’t many better than him in the league, but goals is where he is consistently lacking, unlike Gerrard. He is still a key player for Liverpool and would comfortably get into this team.
Holding midfielder: James McCarthy (Everton)
He’s the unsung hero of Everton’s side, James McCarthy has such an influence for the Blues on the field. He keeps the ball and is constantly looking to move forward. He might not be the man to directly create things for Everton, but he initiates things by winning the ball in the heart of midfield and getting attacks going.
Left-wing: Steven Naismith (Everton)
Another hard worker, who will happily make his way back to help his team out in defence as well as getting forward and attacking. He’s an experienced player who deserves a place in the team due to the influence he can have in matches, and always manages to get goals somehow whenever he plays. He may not be the most technically gifted on the field, but he knows the game well enough to always get himself into the right place at the right time.
Central-attacking midfielder: Phillipe Coutinho (Liverpool)
The little Brazilian really can make things happen, especially when Liverpool need him most. He’s mesmerizing to watch on the ball, drifting in and out of defenders like they were ghosts, and pulling off some absolute show stoppers in terms of long-range goals. An absolute certainty to get into this team.
Right-wing: Gerard Deulofeu (Everton)
This guy is a very talented player, who, given the right development and enough first team action, has the potential to be world class. His pace is blistering and his creativity is unreal, he has enough to give any defender a problem. If he starts on Sunday, Liverpool will be worried, and will need Alberto Moreno to stick with him through every moment.
Centre-Forward: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s top striker got himself back into form with two well-taken goals at home to Villa last weekend, and, if he can stay fit can be the main man for the Reds for the rest of this season, as they look to claim a top 4 spot. He’ll be dying to add to his momentum by grabbing a goal on Sunday at Goodison, will he be the difference?
Subs:
On the bench would be as follows:
Simon Mignolet, Mamadou Sakho, Leighton Baines, Emre Can, Ross Barkley, James Milner, Christian Benteke.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
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