Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
It’s the rescheduled Merseyside Derby due to Liverpool’s Capital One Cup Final commitments but with Liverpool now in the Europa League Semi Finals and Everton going to Wembley at the Weekend you have to wonder if this game will be played with the same amount of needle that you would usually encounter when these two sides meet.
If Liverpool were to win and results go their way then they would move as high as 6th and move into the Europa League spots but it’s fair to say that Manager Jurgen Klopp would rather win this season’s edition of the competition and then get a backdoor route to the Champions League next season.
Because of that possible scenario Klopp may again afford some of his key players a rest like he did on Sunday when they visited Bournemouth and game away with a 2-1 win. That Afternoon it was goals for Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino as they made sure there was to be no Europa League hangover after their incredible win against Borussia Dortmund.
With Liverpool just 3 games away from the Champions League it would probably make more sense to go all out in those games and risk not finishing in the Top 6. The lower league position may not reflect success but it would set them up without the burden of the Europa League next season and a potentially easier crack at finishing in the Top 4 or day I say competing for the title.
Their Merseyside rivals and opponents tonight Everton have a similar dichotomy, their league campaign is long since over and the only real success on that front would be a top 10 finish but they themselves are just two wins from the Europa League next season due to their F.A. Cup exploits.
That means Roberto Martinez will likely also rest key players for Tonight’s clash with more than one eye on a more glittering prize. If the gamble pays off and they do end up winning the F.A. Cup then it may well just save Martinez’s job come the Summer.
Last time out they managed a point at home to Southampton but again a lack of game management will be considered when people look back at this game. Sadio Mane’s equaliser on 76 minutes denying Everton of all 3 points and a rare win at Goodison Park this campaign.
A Merseyside Derby will always be feisty but I have a feeling it’s going to lack some real bite Tonight. Everton will want a win to at least have something to shout about this season. Don’t be surprised if this one ends in a Draw.
Papa Johns – If your team scores twice then it’s half price
