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Everton vs Liverpool Preview

I am very nervous about this one. The last international break was not kind to us and, with Gerrard mired in one of the worst slumps of his career, it's hard to see how we'll do against an Everton team who have run hot and cold this season.

If nothing else, the Toffees will be well motivated after Rafa labeled their club one of the smaller ones in the Premier League. If it is something we can count on our Mersey neighbours for, it's an inferiority complex.

But let's face it, both teams are looking to get their seasons back on track. Everton have lost three of the last four, while Liverpool have flattered to deceive so far this campaign.

It'll be a tight, tense affair with plenty of "mongrel" in the midfield - a perfect game for Mascherano, no matter what I said about him a week or so ago.

Hopefully, we can nick an early goal and invite them onto us - leaving them susceptible to the fast break and a second goal. Our away is pretty good so far, but given how we've been playing recently, nothing can be taken for granted.

I think I'd go for the following team:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Hyypia
Arbeloa

Pennant
Gerrard
Mascherano
Riise (gives us a little more defensively, but expect to see Babel/Benayoun come on in the later stages)

Torres
Kuyt/Crouch (depending on Dirk's hamstring)

It won't be pretty, but if we can get away with the three points I'll be over the moon.

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