22.12.2002 - Liverpool v Everton preview
Liverpool go into a Merseyside derby behind Everton in the league table for the first time since the late 1980's, in one of the most eagerly awaited derby matched for years.
With Everton flying high in the Premiership helped by 17 year old wonderkid, Wayne Roonye, and Liverpool currently experiencing their worst ever run of form in the Premiership, the level of interest in this fixture is at it's highest since the two sides were dominating English football during the 80's.
While being David Moyes' first Merseyside derby, Everton's Scottish manager was in charge of Preston for nine Lancashire derbies against Burnley in the Nationwide League, winning 4, losing 4 and drawing 1, while Gerard Houllier takes charge of the 9th Merseyside derby since his arrival in the city, and Liverpool's record over Everton has been impressive since then, with 4 wins and 3 draws from the 8 games played.
Since the formation of the Premier League in 1992 though, there is a lot less between the teams, with Liverpool having won 4, drawn 4 and lost 2 at home, while Everton have an identical record at Goodison.
Liverpool v Everton: A complete League Record
Eleven players have been sent off in the fixture during the 166 meetings, though the first was not until 1979 when Gary Stanley and Terry McDermott were sent off for fighting. The last player to be given his marching orders was Igor Biscan in April 2001, in game which was won by Gary McAllister's 44 yard free kick in the 93rd minute.
The previous meeting between the sides ended 1-1, with Nicolas Anelka netting an equaliser after Tomas Radzinski had put the Blues ahead. It entended Liverpool's unbeaten run over Everton to 5 games, and the Reds will be hoping to add another win to that run this afternoon and close the gap on league leaders, Arsenal.
Dietmar Hamann is Liverpool's only injury problem, with the German missing at least the next two games with a shin injury.
Duncan Ferguson is unlikely to return for Everton, who have Joseph Yobo and David Unsworth suspended for the clash. Wayne Rooney is likely to start the game on the bench.
News of the match will be available here later this evening.
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