The Derby

The butterflies are really starting to kick in now.

Tomorrow is a fascinating encounter. Everton have looked really good this season, but whilst our own results were patchy early on, I think the potential has been there for all to see, and we've put some results together now.

Which Everton are we going to see show up? People are mentioning them as clear favourites, but is that the sort of outlook that will suit them at this stage? They look good, but it's fair to say that, by and large in recent seasons, they just haven't quite got to grips with derby games. I'm not sure how the favourites tag will sit with them against a Liverpool team that looks more purposeful than the fairly rudderless outfit that turned Everton over once in the league and once in the FA Cup in the second half of last season (it'd be unfair to judge Everton on the Goodison derby last season).

From a Liverpool perspective, there are some interesting talking points - the rumoured midfield for tomorrow is Allen, Gerrard and Sahin; am I the only one who is a bit apprehensive about Stevie playing last weekend and completing a full game against Anzhi on Thursday going into the derby? The rumoured attacking trio is Suarez flanked by Sterling and Suso; I thought Assaidi would be well worth a starting place, not only is he looking like a real threat going forward, but he's a fantastic outlet when we're under pressure.

One man I think we need an absolutely massive game from is Martin Skrtel. I'd back Agger to be his usual reliable self in the covering centre back position, but Skrtel's got a huge job on. If he can dominate the likes of Jelavic and Fellaini when the ball is coming into them, then Everton may struggle to get a foothold in the game. He needs to be aggressive whilst also making sure he doesn't give away cheap free kicks, allowing Baines to deliver balls into the box towards Everton's big men. His communication with Allen will be key in trying to neutralise the roaming Fellaini in particular.

It's tough to call, and whilst my heart tells me we've got a great chance of winning when I consider our form in derbies and the momentum we've got, my head knows that Merseyside derbies are often decided on individual moments and details. Hopefully it'll be a great game, and for goodness sake let's hope it's not Marriner in the headlines come Monday.