Merseyside Derby Preview: Silva’s Everton have no Fear

Everton travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday for the 232nd Merseyside derby. The Street End takes a look at Everton’s chances for the match and how irrelevant derby history is to Marco Silva’s side.

Demolition Derby

Evertonians are sick of hearing about their recent derby history. Kevin Campbell’s early goal led them to their last victory at Anfield in 1999, a shocking record for a club of Everton’s stature. The long period of losses at the tin mine are a testament to the disparity in investment between the 2 clubs over the last 30 years. Everton were unbeaten in Joe Royle’s (far too short) tenure as Everton manager but this was the exception rather than the rule. The Toffees could not get a win at their former ground, even in the seasons where they finished above their neighbours. Why should this record change on Sunday?

A Derby in Name Only

The derby is a very different spectacle these days. Both teams have a sizeable foreign contingent who may not understand the history and significance of the fixture. Indeed, Scousers are scarce in the Merseyside derby. Everton’s bench will likely feature Leighton Baines and Tom Davies. Liverpool may start Trent Alexander-Arnold, the player with the least scouse sounding name since Leighton Baines. It is a far cry from the 60s when local lads Harvey, Morrissey, Smith and Callaghan regularly competed in derbies. The derby is now mostly contested by foreign players. This is a shame for Merseyside football. It could also work to Everton’s advantage.

A New Start

Only 6 of the current Everton starting 11 have played in a Merseyside derby. The streak of defeats at Anfield do not matter to this squad. It is institutional history. The record will mean nothing to players like Andre Gomes, Richarlison and Bernard as it happened before their arrival. Everton now have a squad who have experienced games at the highest level. Bernard and Jordan Pickford have both played in World Cup finals. Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes have been a part of a championship winning Barcelona squad. Kurt Zouma won the league with Chelsea in 2015. Anfield is no easy hunting ground by any means but these players have no reason to fear this Sunday. They have played in big games and the record was not their doing.

Talent

In addition to the big game experience, Everton have also added talent. The addition of Richarlison to the Everton strike force has given Everton a dangerous player who can score at any given moment. His pace, skill and finishing makes him Everton’s most dangerous winger since Andrei Kanchelskis. He has played well in a centre forward role and has the strength and ability to cause Liverpool’s back 4 problems.

The game will be won in midfield. Everton suffered a blow when Jordan Henderson was suspended for the derby. This means that Liverpool’s best midfielders will come up against the inform Gana and Gomes. The little and large duo have combined effectively in recent weeks. It will be an interesting battle. Naby Keita is still settling in at Liverpool and has yet to fulfil the hype. With Andre Gomes improving in every game, Everton don’t have to play defensively as they have done in the past.

Sin Miedo

When the much maligned Roberto Martinez was at Wigan, he encouraged his players to play sin miedo, ‘without fear.’ This is the same attitude that Marco Silva has instilled at Everton. The toffees have played in a positive manner in each of their games this season. They must play in the same manner and play without fear at Anfield. Everton were unlucky to lose their games at Old Trafford and the Emirates. Poor refereeing contributed to both defeats but Everton were in the game against both opponents. The Toffees improved on this when they earned a goalless draw at Chelsea. They looked dangerous on the counter attack whilst stifling the red hot Eden Hazard. Everton suffered from more poor refereeing when Jorginho was only shown a yellow card for his lunge at Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The refereeing aspect is important as Everton have historically suffered from refereeing decisions at Anfield. Wayne Rooney’s penalty at Anfield last season was Everton’s second penalty in 80 years. Kopites may point to tackles by Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas recently but there is a lengthy list of events with which to retaliate. Chris Kavanagh will referee the game on Sunday. The Manchester born referee will be familiar with the rivalry but is relatively inexperienced. He must referee the derby without fear and not allow James Milner to referee it for him. If this happens, Everton may gain their first win at Anfield in 19 years. History is made to be broken. Can Marco Silva’s men make their own history on Sunday?

Who will be Everton’s hero in the Merseyside derby? Let us know in the comments section below.