Everton Want to Bring “Champions League Form” to Anfield

In Liverpool’s last 14 games, the Reds have only lost once in regulation. So far in April, they’re undefeated and have overcome German power Borussia Dortmund to advance to the semi-finals of the Europa League. They are by any measure a side in very good form.

According to Everton manager Roberto Martinez, though, his side have nothing to fear as they head to Anfield tonight. That’s because the Blues’ manager says his side’s form has been worthy of the Champions League this year and that whatever is thrown at them tonight, they can handle it.

"Our away form has been fantastic, it’s been Champions League form, and that’s what we want to carry on," said Martinez at his pre-match press conference. "We have got three [big] games away from home: one is Liverpool, the other is Leicester, and then the other is Sunderland.

"Those are the games we want to be involved in and we want to be tested in. And yes, Liverpool are in a very good moment of form and the last two weeks have developed a momentum we will have to be aware of, but in the same way, we can go anywhere in the league and be ourselves."

Martinez is being slightly hyperbolic. Overall, Everton have the sixth best away form in the league—better than their overall standing, but not top four form. And it’s been getting worse of late. In their last six away games, Everton have two wins, two draws, and a loss—good for eighth best.

Still, it’s true Everton have been better on the road than they have been at home. At Goodison by comparison, Everton stand 18th on form to be relegated. In comparison to that, then, their generally solid play on the road might well seem as though it’s worthy of a Champions League place.

"They were two minutes from being disqualified from Europe," Martinez added. "Those are the fine margins. Of course you have to be aware of their really strong momentum when going to an away ground. That’s part of our thinking, the way we need to be coping with the environment.

"But at the same time we know what we have to do; what we’re good at. And that’s the only thing that matters: How good we can be in what we do."