by Craig Bloomfield
With that in mind, it is a game both clubs will be desperate not to lose, but with Tottenham in the top four race too, and Manchester United potentially coming up on the rails, even a draw would probably be a setback for the Reds and Blues.
Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez will play their strongest available XIs, the make up of which will be heavily dependent on injury news.
Martinez has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will definitely miss the derby, while Sylvain Distin is a doubt.
Should the Frenchman be passed fit, it will probably mean John Stones deputises for Coleman at right-back, but if Distin misses out, Stones could be selected at centre-back ahead of John Heitinga, meaning a place for Tony Hibbert at full-back.
Coleman's absence at right-back may persuade Brendan Rodgers to select Luis Suarez as the nominal left-sided attacker in his Liverpool side, with less emphasis on the player in that position needed to track back and help the Reds' left-back defensively.
That would also allow the Reds boss to give Phillipe Coutinho a break. The Brazilian has started 10 of the last 11 Liverpool games (coming on at half-time in the other, an FA Cup tie with Oldham) and has looked a little jaded in recent weeks.
Rodgers will also be praying that Joe Allen is passed fit, enabling the Welshman to slot in to a midfield three, playing the Lucas holding role, alongside Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
Neither Gerrard nor Henderson are truly adept at shielding the Reds back four and Rodgers will also want his team to compete for possession against the Toffees midfield, which will almost certainly contain Gareth Barry and James McCarthy.
Ahead of the Blues' impressive midfield duo, Martinez must decide who will link the play between the middle of the park and Romelu Lukaku.
Being away from home, he may opt for the industry of Leon Osman, with Kevin Mirallas and new boy Aiden McGeady providing ammunition and width, but Steven Pienaar could also feature if passed fit.
Lukaku will fancy his chances against Kolo Toure, although Mamadou Sakho could yet reclaim his place in the Liverpool back four if he proves his fitness.
Jon Flanagan returned from injury as a late sub in the FA Cup win at Bournemouth and may get the nod ahead of Martin Kelly at right-back.
Some Kopites are even hoping Flanagan is selected at left-back ahead of Aly Cissokho.
Here is how the two teams could line up:
Source:- http://talksport.com/football/liverpool-v-everton-line-ups-injury-leads-suarez-tactical-switch-14012777337
With that in mind, it is a game both clubs will be desperate not to lose, but with Tottenham in the top four race too, and Manchester United potentially coming up on the rails, even a draw would probably be a setback for the Reds and Blues.
Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez will play their strongest available XIs, the make up of which will be heavily dependent on injury news.
Martinez has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will definitely miss the derby, while Sylvain Distin is a doubt.
Should the Frenchman be passed fit, it will probably mean John Stones deputises for Coleman at right-back, but if Distin misses out, Stones could be selected at centre-back ahead of John Heitinga, meaning a place for Tony Hibbert at full-back.
Coleman's absence at right-back may persuade Brendan Rodgers to select Luis Suarez as the nominal left-sided attacker in his Liverpool side, with less emphasis on the player in that position needed to track back and help the Reds' left-back defensively.
That would also allow the Reds boss to give Phillipe Coutinho a break. The Brazilian has started 10 of the last 11 Liverpool games (coming on at half-time in the other, an FA Cup tie with Oldham) and has looked a little jaded in recent weeks.
Rodgers will also be praying that Joe Allen is passed fit, enabling the Welshman to slot in to a midfield three, playing the Lucas holding role, alongside Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
Neither Gerrard nor Henderson are truly adept at shielding the Reds back four and Rodgers will also want his team to compete for possession against the Toffees midfield, which will almost certainly contain Gareth Barry and James McCarthy.
Ahead of the Blues' impressive midfield duo, Martinez must decide who will link the play between the middle of the park and Romelu Lukaku.
Being away from home, he may opt for the industry of Leon Osman, with Kevin Mirallas and new boy Aiden McGeady providing ammunition and width, but Steven Pienaar could also feature if passed fit.
Lukaku will fancy his chances against Kolo Toure, although Mamadou Sakho could yet reclaim his place in the Liverpool back four if he proves his fitness.
Jon Flanagan returned from injury as a late sub in the FA Cup win at Bournemouth and may get the nod ahead of Martin Kelly at right-back.
Some Kopites are even hoping Flanagan is selected at left-back ahead of Aly Cissokho.
Here is how the two teams could line up:
Source:- http://talksport.com/football/liverpool-v-everton-line-ups-injury-leads-suarez-tactical-switch-14012777337
