Sport
Everton could benefit greatly from this week’s Merseyside Derby.
The last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park was originally meant to have been played two months ago. Postponed due to the impact of Storm Darragh, Everton were quite thankful for the stay of execution such was their dismal form at the moment. Now, though, the Toffees could be dangerous opponents for Liverpool.
While Everton suffered a disappointing home loss to Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday, there’s no denying David Moyes has made a positive impact since replacing Sean Dyche. Indeed, the Toffees have won three of their five matches under the Scottish manager who has pointed the club in the right direction again.
Of course, Liverpool are firm favourites to secure the bragging rights – and three points – on Wednesday night. Despite suffering a shock FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle, the Reds remain the strongest team in the Premier League, sitting six points clear of second-place Arsenal at the top of the table.
Nonetheless, Everton could prove tricky opponents such is their improved form of late. Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park will be an opportunity for the Toffees to highlight just how far they have come since the postponement of the original fixture in early December.
Moyes has been forthcoming in his crediting of Dyche for the foundations he has built on since taking over. Dyche-ball might have lost its effectiveness towards the end of the former Burnley manager’s time at Goodison Park, but Everton’s players know how to grind out results. This has become apparent again under Moyes.
In central midfield, James Garner has forced his way into the lineup, giving Everton some much-needed dynamism in the middle of the pitch. Alongside him, Idrissa Gueye is playing with more energy, covering a lot of ground, while Abdoulaye Doucoure has been given the freedom to get forward and make late runs into the box.
Up front, Beto has been deployed as an attacking focal point in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury. Written off by most as a flop at Goodison Park, the former Udinese striker has given Everton an element of verticality that they were previously lacking. Beto will lead the line against Liverpool.
Carlos Alcaraz will surely feature at some point on Wednesday night after making his Everton debut against Bournemouth. The on-loan Flamengo midfielder is accustomed to the Premier League after a spell at Southampton and showed glimpses of his ability even as the Toffees lost in the FA Cup. At his best, Alcaraz is an electrifying creative force going forward.
No Everton attacker is performing at the level of Iliman Ndiaye right now. The Senegalese international has found the back of the net four times in his last six outings and is the player who could do significant damage to Liverpool if the Toffees can do enough to release him in behind Conor Bradley at right back.
“The players have just given themselves a bit of confidence and positivity. We are only trying to give them as much confidence as we can,” said Moyes after the 4-0 win over Leicester City which moved Everton further away from relegation danger near the foot of the Premier League table. “We have got a good strong base defensively and trying to find ways to score a few more.”
Everton’s season won’t be defined by what happens in Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby, but a positive result and performance would put down a marker as the club moves into a new era – and a new stadium. Moyes has already enjoyed a good start. A win over Liverpool would, however, make a real impact.
