Merseyside Derby: Important is an understatement!!!

Brendan Rodgers Liverpool FC host Roberto Martinez Everton FC in the most important derby in history(some say in decades) because when last was a Merseyside Derby played when both teams were above Manchester United and real contenders for the Champions League places even the English Premier League(EPL).

Its been 28 years since a win for either side had such importance as it did way back on the 22nd February 1986 when Everton won 2-0 at Anfield. With that win they went eight points clear of Liverpool in the League, but at the end of the season Liverpool won the title and actually won the double in a first all-Merseyside FA Cup final later that season winning that 3-1(Rush 2, Johnston 1).

Ok the Merseysider's will not be fighting it out for the EPL trophy just yet tonight nor for any cup trophy but it's for me much bigger than that. It has far bigger ramifications than just the 3 points on offer. Some would say it's far more important for Everton to take those three points than the home side. History is against them as well, it has been 11 winless years(under David Moyes) at Anfield standing infront of them.

If Everton have any ambitions to finish in the top-four they certainly have to start at Anfield tonight. A loss could see Manchester United just 2 points behind them and for that matter Newcastle within 3 points but more importantly they could see Tottenham extend their lead to 4 points above them.

Don't get me wrong Liverpool would not want to lose but a loss for them might not be as damaging as it would be for their neighbours. Everton are too good a side to fall away completely, but it would be a long way back if they were to endure another fruitless trip to Anfield. A win tonight could bring the same belief as they had in their 1985 title wining season and propel their season into unchartered territory.

The 222nd Merseyside Derby tonight has all the elements to be an enthralling battle of Red vs Blue and I don't foresee another draw. I do however see the red half smiling, once again, come the final whistle and to be honest I don't know why.

Jade Christopher Bentley Adams(@jcba)

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