Everton vs Liverpool preview: Gerard's last-ever Merseyside Derby
As an Everton fan, Steven Gerard has become a figure of frustration over the years as he always seem to pull something out the bag against his fiercest rivals, no matter what form he is in. In 32 games against the Toffees, Gerard has scored ten goals and received two cards. Everton fans will be glad to see the back of one of Liverpool's greatest players (if not the greatest!) and look forward to derbies without the ex-England captain in the Reds line-up. Weather he starts in his last-ever derby would be a no-brainier for most fans,players and managers but Rodgers will decide what is best for the team(like any manager should).
Everton's win against Crystal Palace was long over due but a win or a loss in the derby can either decrease or increase the pressure on a manager. Loanee Aaron Lennon gives Roberto Martinez a new option from the bench in a game which is always high-intensity and can either offer quality football or a scrappy and unpleasant game for spectators and players. Liverpool seem to have a new potential trio in the absence of last season's deadly duo (Suarez and Sturridge) and they are Sterling, Coutinho and Sturridge. Liverpool are more confident going into the derby, having only lost one in their last thirteen games and having summer signings ,such as Lazar Markovic, show their abilities on the pitch. However, on derby day, form and preparation goes out the window.
FACT: The Merseyside Derby has the record for the most red cards in Premier League history (13 for Everton, 7 for Liverpool).
Everton's win against Crystal Palace was long over due but a win or a loss in the derby can either decrease or increase the pressure on a manager. Loanee Aaron Lennon gives Roberto Martinez a new option from the bench in a game which is always high-intensity and can either offer quality football or a scrappy and unpleasant game for spectators and players. Liverpool seem to have a new potential trio in the absence of last season's deadly duo (Suarez and Sturridge) and they are Sterling, Coutinho and Sturridge. Liverpool are more confident going into the derby, having only lost one in their last thirteen games and having summer signings ,such as Lazar Markovic, show their abilities on the pitch. However, on derby day, form and preparation goes out the window.
FACT: The Merseyside Derby has the record for the most red cards in Premier League history (13 for Everton, 7 for Liverpool).
Gerard has proved to be a key player for Liverpool in Merseyside Derbies and this will be his last-ever one in one of England's greatest rivalries.
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