Before drawing Sunday's Merseyside derby -- Liverpool vs Everton -- picture at Goodison Park, let us explain the magnitude of the game through two famous quotes.
"Don't forget boys, One Evertonian is worth Twenty Liverpudlians," said Everton legend Brian Labone, while Liverpool fans shall remember the famous words of Bill Shankly: "If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd pull the curtains."
Liverpool vs Everton Merseyside derby has always been one of the most explosive matches in the premier league, which has seen a number of red cards and goals as well.
Liverpool, who have been below par this season, lie on 10th place with 11 points, while their opponents Everton are seventh with 12 points. This is not what the doctor had ordered for Liverpool, especially after a plethora of signings during the summer.
Everton have been decent this season and have in fact not lost in their last four EPL fixtures with two wins and two draws. Everton destroyed Chelsea 3-1 and their manager Roberto Martinez will be asking for a similar performance from his team at Goodison Park.
Liverpool's record has been dismal in the last four games with losses to Manchester United and West Ham and a draw against Norwich City. However, they defeated Aston Villa in their last meeting.
With such disappointing results, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' future has come under dark clouds. Though the club owner, Fenway Sports Group, might have shown some faith in the Northern Irishman, it might be forced to think of an alternative if Reds lose once again.
With the big game in view, Brendan Rodgers decided to rest some key players, including Daniel Sturridge, in the Europa League game against Sion during to keep him fresh for the derby.
Liverpool have been conceding way too many goals. Even in their win against Aston Villa, they let in two goals, which just establishes the fragile Liverpool defence. With players such as Steven Naismith, Romelu Lukaku and Charles Barkley in Everton's ranks, you give them an inch and they make a yard out of it.
Liverpool's central defence, comprising Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel, needs to be on top of the game if it has to contain Lukaku and Naismith as the duo have scored seven goals in the competition, which is the same number of goals Liverpool have scored during the season so far.
The Reds have faced huge problems with set pieces, as usual, and Lukaku is expected to make Liverpool defenders' life even more difficult.
Brendan Rodgers wants his team to cut out on easy mistakes.
"We're not giving away so many opportunities but we're getting punished for mistakes. We arrive into every game and our work is very much balanced in terms of the offensive and defensive side of our game. So it's about cutting out the mistakes, that's key for us to not concede," Rodgers told reporters.
However, Liverpool have been encouraged by the return of Daniel Sturridge, who scored two goals against Villa. Rodgers will depend immensely on Sturridge for goals alongside Danny Ings, who has been impressive of late. Apart from the duo, the Reds have some world class players, including Philippe Coutinho -- the catalyst for Liverpool.
"We go into the game with confidence, we've got quality in the team and we'll look to take those chances while remaining solid defensively," added Rodgers, who has always talked about character and his players need to show that "character" in the Merseyside derby, which has always been a feisty encounter and one can expect the same on Sunday.
Where to watch live
Liverpool vs Everton Merseyside derby clash is scheduled for 1:30pm local time (6pm IST, 8:30am ET) start. Indian viewers can watch Liverpool vs Everton clash on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option on Starsports.com.
UK viewers can watch Liverpool vs Everton on Sky Sports 1/HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Liverpool vs Everton live on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.
Viewers in most of the African countries can watch the Merseyside derby on SuperSport 5 Africa.
