Match Preview - Liverpool vs Everton (Part 2)

By: Gareth Freeman


Well Monday night was a bit disappointing wasn’t it? I’m not buying into all of the talk about Rafa and Alex Ferguson’s war of words and Liverpool’s title bid being derailed just yet but it is a bit of a worry. Tim Cahill popping up to head in unmarked with three minutes to go was not good too see. A lack of concentration from a set piece really cost Liverpool that day, but winning the league is still very much a possibility.

Next up the Reds get a chance to get a bit of revenge over Everton in the FA Cup. I don’t think Benitez will play his best XI to be honest, he’ll want too concentrate on the league and quite rightly. It could be a chance for Lucas and Ryan Babel to start and show what they can do and Yossi Benayoun may also be included in the starting line-up. Dirk Kuyt has spoken of the players desire to win this one and there have been some positive signs coming out of Anfield but it all depends on how strong a side Rafa fields on the day. A win in the second Mersey derby would boost confidence but I bet Rafa would sacrifice the cup for the league any time.

Everton on the other hand probably will start with their best XI. They’re in a position in the league where they won’t be worried about relegation but at the same time European qualification is all they can really achieve, I doubt they’ll make the top-four and the FA Cup represents their only real chance for silverware this season. The major bonus for Liverpool in this one is the fact Marouane Fellaini is still suspended. I’ve been really impressed by Fellaini and even more impressed by his hair, he has been one of Everton’s best players this season and Liverpool should be buoyed by his absence.

Offering football betting tips on this particular Mersey derby is a big call and I’m going to leave it well alone. I wouldn’t really bother having a flutter myself until I’ve seen the starting line ups and I know who’ll be playing. I’m going to reserve my football betting advice for the other FA Cup games. I think Wolverhampton Wanderers could beat Middlesbrough and cause a minor upset, Coventry will be too strong for non-league Torquay and if you fancy a real cup upset I wouldn’t bet against Hartlepool knocking out West Ham and claiming their third Premier League scalp of the season.

Reds Blew It

Liverpool 1 (Gerrard 68)
Everton 1 (Cahill 88)


Liverpool were given a chance to reclaim top spot from Man Utd. on Monday night but missed out after a late Tim Cahill goal gifted Everton a deserved draw at Anfield against their bitter city rivals.

Just about a week ago Liverpool were sitting at the top of the table but were made to pay for their average performances this season. So far, other than the 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle, the Reds have failed to put up any sort of convincing performance.

In an attempt to draw attention away from his players during such crucial period of time, Rafa Benitez now will have to face more pressure as his ‘calculated’ attack on Sir Alex not only failed to pay off but suddenly looked as if it will backfire spectacularly

With his contract issue yet to be resolved, it proved to be another harmful distraction and probably tells us the mistrust between the American owners and the Spanish manager.

Leading his men into what he called, ‘the biggest derby I’m involved in’, he knew that Everton would do whatever it takes to stop them from reclaiming top spot. And the Toffeemen did just that.

The blue half of Merseyside were surely thrilled by the manner of how Everton got off the block so quickly and gave Pepe Reina a handful of saves to make. Victor Anichibe and then later, Tim Cahill, stung the palms of the Spanish goalkeeper and the away side was able to apply pressure despite not having a recognized striker.

But Liverpool felt that they should’ve taken the lead after Sami Hyypia’s long pass found the Fernando Torres, who was installed in the team after missing out for the past 3 months. But his rustiness in front of goal was apparent as he clipped the ball wide off the target despite only having Tim Howard to beat.

He later had a legitimate penalty appeal turned down after being bundled in the box by Phil Jagielka. But it was just not his day. Neither was it Robbie Keane’s, who was a virtual spectator throughout and contributed nothing. Benitez’s plan to dovetail the pair failed miserably this time.

Only after withdrawing Keane then did we see Steven Gerrard at his rampaging best. In derby such as this, it often just takes a moment of brilliance to break the duck and Gerrard did just that.

From 30 yards out, he lashed a driving shot which left Tim Howard hapless.

Many thought that it will be the winner and the game decider. So did Rafa Benitez, who then took off Torres and put on Lucas, changing the shape of the team. It sent out the message that Liverpool is ready to play out for the 1-0.

But we know Everton had other ideas.

With just 5 minutes left to go, Everton won a freekick near the byline through a foul by Yossi Benayoun. And we know how dangerous Everton are with set pieces, with Tim Cahill and Leon Osman constantly on the prowl.

A simple training ground routine freekick managed to unlock Liverpool and expose their faulty zonal marking system. Arteta’s freekick was met with aplomb by Tim Cahill’s head, without a Liverpool shadow anywhere near the Australian.

It must have tasted sweet for the Everton supporters, who have a short trip back home. It might not be the most ideal result for them but to thwart their rival’s title bid, they should say it’s a job well done.

Despite only losing one league game so far this season, the number of draws and goal scored must be a little worrying for Rafa Benitez. Especially for this season, the home record is not as good as it should be and there is a cause for concern here.

The Reds are definitely still in for a shot at the title but Benitez needs to commit his future quick and find a solution to the Torres and Keane formula, which is still a big mystery.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Everton

Gareth Freeman

This match is a massive one now. On Saturday five minutes of football changed everything, with United grabbing a last-gasp winner and Chelsea producing a frankly ridiculous turn-around the pressure is all back on Liverpool.

Benitez and his side need to put all their off-field problems too one side if they are going to win this tie. Everton have one of the most impressive away records in the league, losing two and winning seven of their ten away fixtures to date and there is no doubting they would love to put a spanner in the works of their neighbour’s title bid.

The Goodison Park side are still without a proven recognised striker, Victor Anichebe is back from injury but he is still a player learning his trade. Tim Cahill has stepped up too take on the striker’s role and he is justifying his place in the starting eleven. Carragher and co will need to be on top form to keep Everton out. Mikel Arteta is another player well equipped to change a game and there is no doubt how talented this Everton side is – even if they do travel to Anfield as the underdogs. Liverpool’s home form may have been criticised through the course of this season but they still have still yet to lose and it would take a brave man to back Everton to be the first side to do that.

My football betting tip would be for Fernando Torres to grab a goal in this encounter. He is still yet to hit the kind of form he had before his injury but he is a player who likes the big stage and this derby match would be a perfect time for him to step up to the plate and score. I doubt whether many will be backing Everton too take all three points with their football betting, but they are a decent side and should not be ignored as a threat.

The first of the two Liverpool derby’s in quick succession and I think everyone in the red half of the city would rather win this one than the FA Cup fixture. Liverpool looked good value for the title a few weeks ago but now things seem to be slipping away a bit, but a win over their local rivals would go a long way to proving they are capable of bringing home the title.

Now... What Was That All About?

Stoke City 0
Liverpool 0

On Friday’s pre-match conference, Rafa Benitez launched an astonishing attack on Sir Alex Ferguson, Man Utd’s mind game master. The verbal tirade split the crowd into two as some says that it was a calculated move while others suggest the Spanish manager has cracked under pressure.

“I would ‘luv it”, anyone?

And how the Premiership title race took a 180 degrees turn over the weekends. Is the tide turning against Liverpool already? Now the attack by Rafa Benitez suddenly seemed daft and the attempt to put extra pressure on Man Utd is probably as toothless as their abject display at the Brittania Stadium.

A goal-less stalemate (notice the word ‘Stale’) against Stoke City, Liverpool suddenly handed the initiative over to Man Utd, who with 2 games in hand still, crushed and trampled over a purring Chelsea side.

By this Saturday, Liverpool could be dislodged from the pinnacle and they only have themselves to blame.

Don’t get me wrong. Stoke City, away from home is never going to be easy. A typical modern day relegation side which lacks quality to compete on level ground with the big money clubs in the Premiership, they even things up by being physical, hard work and a lot of high balls.

Rory Delap’s every long throw gave Liverpool a couple of nervy moments. But he proved that he is more than ‘that long-throw man’ by rattling the bar of Pepe Reina early in the first half.

Despite a good start from the visiting team, Stoke City took control and even had the ball in the back of the net when Richard Cresswell rising above the static defence to head home but he was rule offside.

Meanwhile, Benitez’s decision to deploy Dirk Kuyt as a spearhead for the attack backfires this time. It worked against Newcastle but not this time. Robbie Keane was made to pay for all his misses last week with a position on the bench.

Steven Gerrard saw little of the ball, which effectively mitigates the majority of Liverpool’s attacking threat. But the unlucky captain hit the post twice in the second half in an attempt to haul the league leaders into victory.

The impact of Xabi Alonso’s absence was also felt. His passing that unlocks defence was sorely missed and there was no one able to dictate the tempo of Liverpool’s play. His replacement, Lucas, looked like a fish out of the water again in this game after a few decent performances.
Wasteful in possession and constantly racking up fouls, the Brazilian midfielder was indeed, frustrating to watch.

Even with the introduction of Fernando Torres, it failed to spark any sort of inspiration into an abject performance. Robbie Keane was left on the bench and Yossi Benayoun… was he even playing?

With so much at stake this very moment, another disappointing draw could only mean more pressure will be on Liverpool in the days to come. The season could go pear-shaped as the next 2 games are against their Merseyside rivals, Everton.

Have those words of Rafa Benitez managed to stir the hornet’s nest over at Old Trafford? Seeing how they rolled over Chelsea last night, it definitely did. Have they helped Liverpool’s push for title? No, those words are unnecessary.

Want to win the 19th? Stop talking, start playing consistently like one already.

Match Preview - Stoke City vs Liverpool

Hey guys, before you start asking why did I start doing match previews again after the long hiatus, the following article is not written by me. This is written by Gareth Freeman from BetFair and as a partnership with them, they have kindly provided me with a competent writer.

So if you're interesting in betting football, don't miss out on the great insights given by the gurus over there. Head down!


Stoke City vs Liverpool

This weekend sees Rafael Benitez and his table topping Liverpool side take the short trip to Staffordshire to face Stoke City. In the reverse of this fixture Stoke somehow managed to survive an Anfield onslaught and came away with a 0-0 draw. I doubt that will be happening at the Britannia Stadium myself, only the craziest individual would spend any of their football betting money on Stoke getting anything out of this game.

I must confess, I haven’t gone out of my way to watch the Potters this season. I did catch their victory against Arsenal though and there was one thing I noticed – they kicked absolute lumps out of Wenger’s side. Arsenal are a little more light-weight than Liverpool, but Stoke do represent a very physical threat. This means that the news Javier Mascherano will be fit for the trip to Stoke is a massive boost. Masch has really proved himself this season as being one of the best battling midfielders in the Premiership and if Stoke do manage to bring the game down to a scrap having the rock-hard Argentine in the side is a major bonus.

On the down-side it looks as if both Robbie Keane and Xabi Alonso could miss this one through injury. Torres should be back to replace Keane but I’m a little worried that Stoke are perhaps not the best opponents to return against! Still if he does play my football betting tip would be to back Torres as last goal scorer, he’s come in for some (unfair in my opinion) criticism lately and getting the winning goal this coming weekend would certainly silence the detractors.

I’ll finish off with a look at this weekend’s opponents. They’ve lost their last four games in all competitions, including an embarrassing FA cup exit to League One side Hartlepool United, so it could be a dangerous time to face them. They’ll be looking to put an end to that slump and I think Tony Pulis has got some belief in that side. They will be missing their best player Ricardo Fuller who is suspended after slapping club captain Andy Griffin in their defeat to West Ham, so basically all their attacks are going to come from throw ins and long balls – best off starting with Sami Hyypia then Rafa!

Gerrard-Inspired Reds Survive PNE Scare

English FA Cup - 3rd Round

Preston North End 0
Liverpool 2 (Riera 25, Torres 90)

It wasn’t an entirely good week for Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, as he received massive attention for all the wrong reasons. But most of it will be forgotten as he led the Reds into a routine 2-0 win over Championship side, Preston North End, in the FA Cup 3rd round tie.

At a stage where every game is a potential banana skin, Liverpool held firm till the end though Preston did gave Liverpool some nervy moments during their second half fight back. It did result in the ball in Diego Cavalieri’s net but it was later ruled out because of a unecessary foul on Jamie Carragher.

The victory has set up a mouthwatering tie with Liverpool’s greatest rival, Everton. Fans from the blue and red portion of Liverpool city will surely be rubbing their hands with glee.

The Reds fielded an almost full-strength team, underlining their intent to not underestimate their so called ‘weaker’ opposition and on the hindsight, it proved to be a good move.

Preston North End, though inferior in quality, played their hearts out and their passing were at times, a joy to watch. Neil Mellor, the former Liverpool trainee, led the line for PNE while Robbie Keane was up front for the Reds after sitting out of the 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle.

Presented with countless of chances, Keane just couldn’t convert the chances. It was a massive disappointment for the Irish as it is only just recently that he got on a goal scoring run. It seems like consistency is not his strength.

Even more depressing for him could be the goal-scoring return of Spanish hotshot, Fernando Torres. Good news for Liverpool, bad for Keane.

It is unlikely now that Rafa Benitez would change the 4-2-3-1 formation with the one upfront as he is seeing the formation bringing stability and success to his team’s title bid this season.

With Torres back in the fray and Keane continuing to misfire, the 20 million GBP must be feeling some heat.

Torres’ goal is probably one of the easiest he’ll score in his career but it highlights the selflessness of Steven Gerrard, who ran the show at St. James’ Park and played a major role in the 2-0 victory.

Albert Riera fired Liverpool into the lead with a sweet left foot strike, finishing it with aplomb. The Spanish winger is in red hot form recently with 3 goals in the last 4 games. He is one of the most improved players I’ve seen in recent times. Struggling to make an impact in the pre-billionaire era Manchester City, he was slow and clumsy.


But now, he plays an integral part in Liverpool and has made the left wing spot his own.

His competition, Ryan Babel, started the game at Preston as well but was had a real bad day out. His touch was sloppy, poor in possession and generally delivered nothing. It must be a real heartache for the Liverpool fans, who have so much hope for the Dutch striker.

In the same way, Liverpool failed to deliver the fatal blow to Preston after given chance after chance. It beggars belief to see that they were only a goal up at half time despite many golden chances.

With the ‘Rocky’ tune played as PNE emerged from the tunnel after half time, it could be one of the reasons why they played a blinder during the second period. Liverpool were to find out that there really are no easy games in these domestic cups.

As if Burnley and Barnsley weren’t a big enough signage saying ‘Don’t underestimate your poorer cousins in the Championship’.

They put up a brave fight which puts Liverpool on the back foot for majority of the second half. After losing Xabi Alonso to injury, the visitors couldn’t control the tempo of the game as well and had to handle waves after waves of PNE attacks.


But quality in the end, showed through, and Liverpool were able to put the game to bed in injury time as Fernando Torres made his return from injury a glorious one with a simple tap-in.

Gerrard may be charged for assault and affray but once he donned his beloved red jersey, you know he’s always going to go out fighting for the cause and the only assault he’s going to be involved in will be Liverpool’s first title in 20 years and of course the FA Cup and Champions League.

Some Numbers For New Year

As we head into an exciting 2009, it's good to look back at this year and with the help of some numbers and figures, we can see to it ourselves how Rafa Benitez have brought Liverpool from strength to strength.

This figures are compiled by a blogger from Oh You Beauty so do drop by and give him some credit.


Points total after 19 games:
08/09: 42
07/08: 37
06/07: 34

Results over 19 games:
08/09: 12 wins, 6 draws, 1 loss
07/08: 10 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses
06/07: 10 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses

League position after 19 games:
08/09:1st place
07/08: 4th place
06/07: 3rd place

# of points behind 1st place:
08/09: +1
07/08: -10, with a game in hand
06/07: -13

Goals scored after 19 games:
08/09: 30
07/08: 33
06/07: 28

Goals against after 19 games:
08/09: 12
07/08: 12
06/07: 15

Home Goals:
08/09: 16
07/08: 20
06/07: 20

Away Goals:
08/09: 14
07/08: 13
06/07: 8

Goal scorers:
08/09: Gerrard 6; Keane, Kuyt, Torres 5; Alonso, Riera 2; Arbeloa, Benayoun, Babel, Carragher 1
07/08: Torres 9; Gerrard 7; Babel, Kuyt, Voronin 3; Alonso, Benayoun 2; Hyypia, Sissoko 1
06/07: Kuyt 6; Bellamy 5; Alonso, Gerrard 3; Crouch, Garcia, Gonzalez 2; Agger, Carragher, Fowler, Riise 1

Clean Sheets:
08/09: 11
07/08: 10
06/07: 10

# of games Liverpool failed to score in:
08/09: 4 [Villa (a), Stoke (h), Fulham (h), West Ham (h)]
07/08: 5 [Pompey (a), Birmingham (h), Blackburn (a), United (h), City (a)]
06/07: 7 [Everton (a), Chelsea (a), Bolton (a), United (a), Arsenal (a), Boro (a), Portsmouth (h)]

Away form:
08/09: 6 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss; 20 points out of 27
07/08: 6 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss; 21 points out of 30
06/07: 2 wins, 2 draws, 5 losses; 8 points out of 27

Home form:
08/09: 6 wins, 4 draws; 22 points out of 30
07/08: 4 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss; 16 points out of 27
06/07: 8 wins, 2 draws; 26 points out of 30


Pretty good showing, isn't it? Well, let's hope that 2009 will be even better, getting our number 19 in the bag and on towards 20th! Happy New Year, guys. And thanks for the support you've given through the years. I'm eternally grateful.

4 Years On...

With the benefit of hindsight, we now look back to the very beginning of Rafael Benitez's career with Liverpool. Currently sitting at the top of the Premiership table, Rafa has brought Liverpool to greater heights in recent years and how have the team evolved over the years?

2004-05:

First Team: Dudek, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi, Kewell, Gerrard, Hamann, Finnan, Baros, Cisse;

Subs: Biscan, Henchoz, Kirkland, Sinama-Pongolle, Warnock

2008-09:

First Team: Reina, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Benayoun, Babel, Kuyt;

Subs: Keane, Riera, Alonso, Skrtel, El Zhar, Cavelieri, N'Gog


And not forgetting we're missing out on Fernando Torres!

Dominant Reds Demolish Woeful Magpies

Newcastle 1 (Edgar 45)
Liverpool 5 (Gerrard 31,66; Hyypia 36; Babel 49; Alonso pen76)

Rafa Benitez and his men will enter 2009 with much joy as they cemented their place at the pinnacle of the Barclays Premiership after the thrashing of Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

With Chelsea failing to win at Craven Cottage, Liverpool’s lead at the top suddenly stretched to 3 points and as the performance yesterday suggest, you got to take them seriously now.

The 5-1 score line didn’t flatter Liverpool as they were rampant from the first whistle. The only thing that mitigated an utter Newcastle mauling was the fact that Shay Given was in imperious form as he made at least 5 world class saves that kept the Magpies in the game until Steven Gerrard eventually slam home the opener.

Gerrard flying after double against Newcastle

It’s rather rare that a goalkeeper concedes 5 in a match and yet still receives praise. But he totally deserves a mention here.

With Newcastle owner Mike Astley reconsidering the sale of the club, it brought some joy to the fans but it was soon distinguished by a competent and stylish display of the visiting team.

Make no doubt that Liverpool were brilliant. Yet at the same time Newcastle was put up a defensive horror show which the visitors took full advantage of. It seemed like every player in the black and white striped jersey were still having a Christmas hangover.

Their inability to defend from set pieces was evident throughout, with Ryan Babel’s goal making an absolute mockery of the defence. They played as though corner kicks were introduced for the first time in this game.

Given on-form to shut out several key chances

With Fernando Torres still out and Robbie Keane relegated to the bench, Rafa made a massive gamble yet again but it paid off duly. They were never in trouble even though Damien Duff’s speed caused some trouble while former Reds’ hit man, Michael Owen, had the ball in the net though it was ruled out offside (erroneously).

Liverpool bombarded Shay Given’s goal relentlessly from the start and by the 20th minute, it could’ve been already an utterly embarrassing score line for the home crowd to face.

Still with his heroics, he was absolutely hapless when Yossi Benayoun squared the ball for Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, to crash home the opener. It has the message ‘stop screwing with us’ written all over it as he powered it in off the post.

You just got to sympathise with Given.

The next two Liverpool goals came from Gerrard’s corner. Club veteran, Sami Hyypia, rose unchallenged to score his first goal of the season while Ryan Babel’s goal just demoralizes any Newcastle fan out there.

David Edgar provided some glimpse of hope for Newcastle as a lapse of concentration from Jamie Carragher gave Edgar the chance to make the score a little more respectable at half time.

Rampant Reds!

Newcastle came back in the second half strongly but still couldn’t find a way past a well-marshaled Liverpool defence.

The inevitable happened when Lucas Leiva, who was enjoying every minute of the game, send a inch-perfect pass for Steven Gerrard to latch on and the captain finishes off in style.

Xabi Alonso made it a five star performance after he converted from the spot after a penalty was given to Edgar’s trip on striker, David N’Gog.

Liverpool finishes off 2008 with a flourish and do expect more to come from the Reds as they march into the year at the top of the table and beginning to look like they’ve kicked into gear.

With Fernando Torres eager to make a comeback, they can only be stronger. Rafa Benitez is indeed molding Liverpool into the new Valencia that usurped both the giants of Spanish football, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

There is no trophy for being at the top now, as they say. But would Rafa’s men thrive on pressure or would they crumble like in previous years? Let us await and see. But one thing’s for sure and that is Liverpool is moving in the right direction.

Reds Stormed To Anfield Victory

LIVERPOOL 3 (Riera, Keane x2)
Bolton 0


Robbie Keane unwrapped Liverpool's best Christmas gift this season with a double and continues to steer the Reds clear of their rivals in the Barclays Premiership. Albert Riera was on the score sheet as well as he opened the account in the first half.

Riera celebrating his goal

2 draws on previous occasion threatens to derail Liverpool's title hopes but thankfully for them, their rivals managed to slip up just as they did.

The traditional boxing day fixture is always an intriguing one and though the Anfield faithfuls weren't treated with a spectacular match with goals overflowing, it was still a professional performance and a job well done.

Bolton failed to threaten Liverpool in any way with Pepe Reina in goal was given little to do. But it was as expected as they were more busy dealing with the red tide that went their way, piling intense pressure on their defence.

It was no surprise that Liverpool made the breakthrough from a corner as Albert Riera's front post run was left unchecked and he was able to volley home awkwardly and brought much joy to the Kopites.

Keane raveling in his own glory

But it was Robbie Keane who stole the show thereafter as he continued his good goalscoring form with two goals which showed us just a glimpse of what he can do and why was he worth 20 million pounds.

His predatory skills started to show in recent weeks and up against Bolton, he was calm and composed. The goal at The Emirates could've injected some much needed confidence into the Irish striker and you could see it oozing through his display.

After his second goal, he was all over the pitch, looking hungry and daring to go. Though he was leading the line, he still dropped back and helped out. Then before you know it, he sprinted 20-30 yards forward again. Full of energy.

It was a good 3 points for Liverpool, one that will surely please the fans and the recuperating Rafa Benitez, who was in the stands. A professional job, nothing spectacular and straightforward.

Here's looking forward to 2009 that the Reds will maintain their decent run, kick start their engine further, go a gear higher and claim back the title that was lost so long ago.