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)

Comments

What happens if Manchester United win the Europa League & finish in the top four?

Due to Champions League qualification clubs are now looking more favourably at the Europa League competition. So Manchester United will naturally be gunning for glory as they take on Celta Vigo in their semi final. If however, they win the tournament and finish the English Premier League in the top four, England will have just the four teams in Europe’s elite competition. What I find more interesting is if Manchester United win the Europa League and finish outside the top four! Should this scenario occur, England will have FIVE entrants to the Champions League, rather than four – with United joining the top four Premier League clubs. There are a host of different scenarios as to who will be in Europe's second tier next season. For starters, the Premier League's fifth-placed club - should United not win the Europa League AND finish outside the top four - will go into the pot. Then there's the EFL Cup - or League Cup - winners... however that ...

The Premier League changes its logo.

The most lucrative football league in the world, The English Premier League (EPL), yesterday unveiled its new official logo, which will be used from the 2016-17 season onwards. The division's lion icon has been the face of England's top flight since its launch in 1992 but has undergone a makeover to give it a fresh, modern look. It means, EPL is ending its 12-year association with Barclays bank and will from now on be known simply as ‘the Premier League’. The new logo – has a crowned lion’s head gazing to the right, accompanied by either the words ‘Premier League’ or ‘PL’ -- will replace the current logo of a lion with its left paw on a football. All 20 clubs in the top flight have also agreed a new centralised sponsorship strategy, meaning the league will no longer have a named sponsor. “From next season we will move away from title sponsorship and the competition will be known as the Premier League, a decision which provided the opportunity to consider how we wanted ...

Picture Perfect 25 Years

Welcome 6 November 1986 Alex Ferguson leaves Aberdeen after a hugely successful spell, to replace Ron Atkinson at Manchester United. 'Ta-ra' December 1989 It is widely reported that Ferguson is close to being sacked after a dismal start to his fourth season. A banner is unveiled at Old Trafford saying: "Three years of excuses and it's still crap ... ta-ra Fergie". "Forest were on a high - they were up for it, we were going to the City ground and the game was on TV. The knives were being sharpened" Robins 7 January 1990 United beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground in the FA Cup third round, with a goal from Mark Robins. The win is believed to have saved Ferguson's job. In May, United win the Cup. Giggs 2 March 1991 Ryan Giggs makes his league debut in a 2-0 defeat by Everton. The Welshman will break Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 756 appearances for the club. Cantona 26 November 1992 In a conversation instigated by the ...

Search This Blog