Ford Super Sundays, a mainstay in houses across the country, when children and pensioners suddenly become experts and the taste of the Sunday roast depends on whether your team wins or not. This Sunday will be no different, but there will be some extra spice with two matches that really matter. The Merseyside derby- Everton vs Liverpool- is often called the 'friendly derby' but I can assure you, it will be far from that, proof of which lies in the fact that this fixture has seen more red cards than any other fixture since the start of the Premier League. Manchester Utd travel to Stamford Bridge in a 1st vs 3rd clash, facing a Chelsea side that has only dropped 2 points all season, with Man Utd determined to win the title back from their 'noisy neighbours' Man City, but Chelsea stand in their way.
Everton vs Liverpool
Everton vs Liverpool
This will be Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers' first taste of a Merseyside derby, but it is also the first time in a many years that Everton will go into the fixture as possible favourites. This will also be a big moment for the young Liverpool stars such as Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom, as well as a debut derby for the likes of Joe Allen and Nuri Sahin. However, Rodgers doesn't feel the physicality of a war like this one will be an issue for his young guns stating he has "no qualms about putting them in at all..they have shown already they can handle it."
Everton have not lost in 7 games at Goodison park (6 of those wins), but on the other hand Liverpool's away record is better than at home in 2012, so playing at Goodison may favour both teams (draw much?)
The Toffees will be without one of their star players in Steven Pienaar, who was sent off after two bookings against QPR last week. Pienaar has developed a strong partnership with left back Leighton Baines- Gary Neville went so far as to say they are the strongest partnership in the Premier League, and that a 'brush' with the pairing was part of the reason he decided to retire. The strength of their link up play is typified in this clip of Baines' goal against Newcastle. http://watchhighlightsonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/video-baines-goal-vs-newcastle.html. However, perhaps more positively Marouane Fellaini, who was injured for Belgium in a World Cup qualifier (surprise, surprise) looks set to make his retun for Everton. His physical presence could cause problems for Liverpool, as he did at Man Utd.
As for Liverpool, they may be without first-choice keeper Pepe Reina who missed Thursday's 1-0 win in the Europa League against Anzhi Ma...(yeah, them..), though it remains to be seen if he will be fit or not. The Reds will also be without long term injuries Fabio Borini, Lucas Leiva and Martin Kelly.
This is personally how I think the teams will line up, although the flowing nature of Liverpool's game will mean that Joe Allen (Liverpool's very own 'Welsh Xavi'), will be covering many areas of the pitch, acting as the engine to Liverpool's game. His movement can be seen in this image showing the areas of the pitch he covered in Liverpool's 1-0 win against Reading:
This is where Marouane Fellaini will be important. His physical presence could prove a difficulty for 1.86m Joe Allen, which is undoubtedly be where the majority of Everton's attacks will come from. Another key area for Everton, will be via the crosses and set pieces of Leighton Baines (who will undoubtedly find space with Suso cutting in), particularly with the aerial ability of Fellaini, Jelavic and Mirallas (who we will see cutting into central positions to support the other two). This is where youngsters Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling will play important roles. Wisdom will have to stop the runs and crosses of Baines, whilst Sterling will not only add pace to Liverpool's game whilst running into the space created by the runs of Luis Suarez, but will also be key in taking advantage of the space left by Mirallas.
Liverpool's attacking problems are well documented, whilst Everton are notoriously difficult to break down, which could mean this is a tricky fixture for the red half or Liverpool. However, the Anfield sides flowing football is starting to fall into place and Everton will have to be careful not to be overrun in terms of possession. Aside from the tactics, this derby will be particularly emotional, being the first one since the release of the Hillsborough reports, which when added to the on-pitch passion typically shown in these games will make for when hell of a game!
Chelsea vs Man Utd
The two rivals meet in what could arguably be the biggest game of the season so far, with potential ramifications on the title race. Chelsea currently lie 4 points above the Red Devils, and a 7 point deficit would be a mountain to climb, even at this early stage- although this is Man Utd we are talking about. United came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 in this fixture last year, so it will be interesting to see whether this has any psychological impact on the current league leaders. On the other hand, the Manchester club have won only once in their last 12 visits to West London- although again this is Man Utd we are talking about.
Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry, who is serving his four game ban for racial abuse. Will this game have more spice, what with the whole Anton/Rio Ferdinand vs John Terry/Ashley Cole...uh..situation? Lets wait and see. United are without the injured Shinji Kagawa and Phil Jones, although defender Chris Smalling may be back in time for the clash.
First I'll look at how I think Chelsea will line up. AS you can see from the picture, it seems pretty similar to their regular set up, with Cole and Ivanovic advancing given the opportunity. Mikel will look to protect the back for and Ramires will cover almost every blade of grass, whilst the deadly trio of Oscar, Hazard and Mata will try and create openings for lone frontman Fernando Torres- who caused Man Utd problems during his time at Liverpool.
As for Man Utd, how they will line up is a bit more of a complicated issue. Will they stick to the tried and tested 4-4-1-1, or will they try and perfect the diamond they have been implementing recently, something that has turned heads due to the lack of width. This is loosely (and I stress loosely) how I think Man Utd will line up, although Rooney will perhaps be more advanced when they have the ball, whilst Van Persie and Wellbeck, may play wider, but will cut in to provide for Rooney and create angles so they can shoot on their stronger feet. Having the trio of Carrick, Cleverly and Scholes in midfield (as well as having Rooney drop back), will go some way to making sure Chelsea do not overrun them in midfield, particularly when the likes of Hazard or Mata get on the ball.
Man Utd have been conceding goals for fun recently, but they will need to sure up these frailties if they want to take anything from this game. At the same time, Chelsea have looked extremely vulnerable from set pieces, which may be something that Utd will look to take advantage of.
In conclusion, both teams have some of the best attacking options in the world, whilst leaving little to be desired in terms of their defending, which points to goals. However, at the same time, these 'top of the table' clashes can often be cagey affairs and everything points to a draw, and could well be one of those matches decided my a moment of genius or madness
Im really looking forward to the two games, and I hope this post just serves to wet you appetite. Feel free yo leave your thoughts and comments below!
Everton have not lost in 7 games at Goodison park (6 of those wins), but on the other hand Liverpool's away record is better than at home in 2012, so playing at Goodison may favour both teams (draw much?)
The Toffees will be without one of their star players in Steven Pienaar, who was sent off after two bookings against QPR last week. Pienaar has developed a strong partnership with left back Leighton Baines- Gary Neville went so far as to say they are the strongest partnership in the Premier League, and that a 'brush' with the pairing was part of the reason he decided to retire. The strength of their link up play is typified in this clip of Baines' goal against Newcastle. http://watchhighlightsonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/video-baines-goal-vs-newcastle.html. However, perhaps more positively Marouane Fellaini, who was injured for Belgium in a World Cup qualifier (surprise, surprise) looks set to make his retun for Everton. His physical presence could cause problems for Liverpool, as he did at Man Utd.
As for Liverpool, they may be without first-choice keeper Pepe Reina who missed Thursday's 1-0 win in the Europa League against Anzhi Ma...(yeah, them..), though it remains to be seen if he will be fit or not. The Reds will also be without long term injuries Fabio Borini, Lucas Leiva and Martin Kelly.
This is personally how I think the teams will line up, although the flowing nature of Liverpool's game will mean that Joe Allen (Liverpool's very own 'Welsh Xavi'), will be covering many areas of the pitch, acting as the engine to Liverpool's game. His movement can be seen in this image showing the areas of the pitch he covered in Liverpool's 1-0 win against Reading:
This is where Marouane Fellaini will be important. His physical presence could prove a difficulty for 1.86m Joe Allen, which is undoubtedly be where the majority of Everton's attacks will come from. Another key area for Everton, will be via the crosses and set pieces of Leighton Baines (who will undoubtedly find space with Suso cutting in), particularly with the aerial ability of Fellaini, Jelavic and Mirallas (who we will see cutting into central positions to support the other two). This is where youngsters Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling will play important roles. Wisdom will have to stop the runs and crosses of Baines, whilst Sterling will not only add pace to Liverpool's game whilst running into the space created by the runs of Luis Suarez, but will also be key in taking advantage of the space left by Mirallas.
Liverpool's attacking problems are well documented, whilst Everton are notoriously difficult to break down, which could mean this is a tricky fixture for the red half or Liverpool. However, the Anfield sides flowing football is starting to fall into place and Everton will have to be careful not to be overrun in terms of possession. Aside from the tactics, this derby will be particularly emotional, being the first one since the release of the Hillsborough reports, which when added to the on-pitch passion typically shown in these games will make for when hell of a game!
The two rivals meet in what could arguably be the biggest game of the season so far, with potential ramifications on the title race. Chelsea currently lie 4 points above the Red Devils, and a 7 point deficit would be a mountain to climb, even at this early stage- although this is Man Utd we are talking about. United came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 in this fixture last year, so it will be interesting to see whether this has any psychological impact on the current league leaders. On the other hand, the Manchester club have won only once in their last 12 visits to West London- although again this is Man Utd we are talking about.
Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry, who is serving his four game ban for racial abuse. Will this game have more spice, what with the whole Anton/Rio Ferdinand vs John Terry/Ashley Cole...uh..situation? Lets wait and see. United are without the injured Shinji Kagawa and Phil Jones, although defender Chris Smalling may be back in time for the clash.
First I'll look at how I think Chelsea will line up. AS you can see from the picture, it seems pretty similar to their regular set up, with Cole and Ivanovic advancing given the opportunity. Mikel will look to protect the back for and Ramires will cover almost every blade of grass, whilst the deadly trio of Oscar, Hazard and Mata will try and create openings for lone frontman Fernando Torres- who caused Man Utd problems during his time at Liverpool.
As for Man Utd, how they will line up is a bit more of a complicated issue. Will they stick to the tried and tested 4-4-1-1, or will they try and perfect the diamond they have been implementing recently, something that has turned heads due to the lack of width. This is loosely (and I stress loosely) how I think Man Utd will line up, although Rooney will perhaps be more advanced when they have the ball, whilst Van Persie and Wellbeck, may play wider, but will cut in to provide for Rooney and create angles so they can shoot on their stronger feet. Having the trio of Carrick, Cleverly and Scholes in midfield (as well as having Rooney drop back), will go some way to making sure Chelsea do not overrun them in midfield, particularly when the likes of Hazard or Mata get on the ball.
Man Utd have been conceding goals for fun recently, but they will need to sure up these frailties if they want to take anything from this game. At the same time, Chelsea have looked extremely vulnerable from set pieces, which may be something that Utd will look to take advantage of.
In conclusion, both teams have some of the best attacking options in the world, whilst leaving little to be desired in terms of their defending, which points to goals. However, at the same time, these 'top of the table' clashes can often be cagey affairs and everything points to a draw, and could well be one of those matches decided my a moment of genius or madness
Im really looking forward to the two games, and I hope this post just serves to wet you appetite. Feel free yo leave your thoughts and comments below!
Good call with the draw in the derby game - although that linesman needs Lasik! 2 mins into the Chelsea v Utd game
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