The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool v. Everton, 09.27.14Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2014-09-27T20:00:02+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/66160922014-09-27T20:00:02+01:002014-09-27T20:00:02+01:00Rodgers "Never Felt Any Danger"
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool were just over a minute away from all three points before Phil Jagielka's stunner, and while Brendan Rodgers couldn't hide his disappointment post-match, he rightly highlighted the fact that his side were in control from start to (almost) finish.</p> <p>In the moment, and now a few hours later, I'm still not completely convinced that Phil Jagielka's injury-time equalizer went in. I saw it leave his foot and I saw <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> players and supporters lose their minds, but what happened in between still boggles the mind. From thirty yards out, on the bounce, with a number of Liverpool players rushing at him, Jagielka--a central defender who poses little goal threat outside of set pieces--hit one of the purest strikes you'll see into the top corner of Simon Mignolet's goal to give Everton a point. Maybe.</p>
<p>Eventually that reality will crystallize, I think, though for now I'm still flirting with the possibility that his shot actually ended up somewhere near the middle of the Kop, and we're left to pat each other on the backs while talking about a hard-earned three points and how nice it is to talk about the need to improve after a win rather than on the heels of a disappointing draw or loss.</p>
<p>It's one of those perfect <i>draw that feels like a loss</i> moments given the timing, and, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2F171490-boss-i-m-still-proud-of-our-derby-display&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2014%2F9%2F27%2F6854115%2Fliverpool-1-everton-1-merseyside-derby-jagielka-goal-rodgers-never-felt-any-danger" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">according to Brendan Rodgers</a>, due to the fact that Liverpool were entirely comfortable for most of the ninety minutes despite their faults:</p>
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<p>"It was very clear that we were much the better side today. When you concede a goal like that so late on, it epitomises the luck that went against us today. But I'm certainly very proud of the players. I thought the intensity was getting back up to near where we have been for 19 months. Tactically, I thought we were very good in the game. Any moments to defend, we defended very well. We took the lead, we should have arguably had at least two more and we should have had a penalty.</p>
<p>"It was disappointing, but I think the performance, which I'm clearly looking to at the moment, was at a much better level than we have been at. I never felt in any danger during the game. I think the organisation of the players was very good. They had good concentration. I always felt that with the ball we were a real threat going forward. But when you conceded so late on like that, into injury-time, it's a little bit frustrating."</p>
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<p>He's not wrong. It was easily their best defensive performance of the season, aided by a midfield that midfielded, with standout performances from <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and <span>Adam Lallana</span> leading the way. And while talk of luck and errors in judgment by the referee feels like excuse-making, Rodgers is more than justified in making mention of Martin Atkinson's inconsistencies and the long odds on Jagielka leveling the match in the manner he did.</p>
<p>It wasn't all misfortune and bounce of the ball and all that, though, and Rodgers' insistence on going with Balotelli alone up top, a tired <span>Raheem Sterling</span> wide, and a very green Lazar Markovic on the opposite flank rightly came into question. And while Lallana was one of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> best on the day, he and Sterling are now on 210-plus minutes apiece in the past five days, with a trip to Switzerland on the immediate horizon in the Champions League.</p>
<p>Options are scarce right now, but others were available--including <span>Fabio Borini</span>, who was left out of the squad, and Suso, fresh off an impressive cameo against Middlesbrough--and it would have been interesting to see how things had panned out if the manager had exercised them. In the end, though, it was a moment of magic from Jagielka rather than anything Rodgers did or didn't do that drew the match level, and we'll hopefully continue to see improvement from both the manager and the squad as a critical stretch in Liverpool's season gets underway.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6854115/liverpool-1-everton-1-merseyside-derby-jagielka-goal-rodgers-never-felt-any-danger-Ed-2014-09-27T17:00:03+01:002014-09-27T17:00:03+01:00Liverpool 1, Everton 1: Blues Steal a Point
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool looked set for all three points on the strength of a Steven Gerrard free kick, but Phil Jagielka's late effort from distance split the points in what ended up as a disappointing day at Anfield.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 1:</b><i> Gerrard 65'</i><br><b>Everton 1:</b> <i>Jagielka 90+1'</i></p>
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<p>It was mostly normal service resumed for <span>Brendan Rodgers</span>' starting eleven today, with Lazar Markovic the only surprise inclusion and each of <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Raheem Sterling</span> featuring again after their marathon midweek. <span>Jordan Henderson</span> was fit to start with <span>Steven Gerrard</span> in the midfield, and <span>Dejan Lovren</span> partnered Martin Skrtel in central defense as Kolo Toure dropped to the bench and, curiously, <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> left out completely.</p>
<p>As is so often the case, the opening was frantic, producing an early booking for <span>Gareth Barry</span> at one end and a penalty shout for Everton--with Alberto Moreno yanking on the arm of Romelu Lukaku--at the other. Barry should have been off twice within the next ten minutes; first he handled a Sterling shot inside the area, a clear penalty for everyone except head referee Martin Atkinson, and sixty second later he cynically tripped <span>Mario Balotelli</span> for a third bookable offense. The latter was at least called a foul, but in the case of the former Liverpool should have had a spot-kick and a man advantage for the next 70-plus minutes.</p>
<p>They were largely dominant regardless, and their best chance of the half came on 11 minutes when a Lallana header was saved well by Tim Howard. Liverpool looked as assured as they have all season at the back and strong in the center as well. Up top was less impressive, unfortunately, with a number of speculative shots (often from Balotelli) the extent of their attacking threat outside of Lallana's header and a Sterling shot on the break that Howard parried away easily.</p>
<p>The second half saw more of the same, and Liverpool finally took the lead through a wonderfully taken Gerrard free kick. The captain couldn't have placed it any better, and with Everton failing to find any joy going forward, it looked as though his 65th-minute opener would hold up even after Balotelli's chance from point-blank was tipped onto the crossbar by Howard. But in the dying moments, with commentators eulogizing <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton's</a> loss already, <span>Phil Jagielka</span> hit a once in a lifetime strike from thirty yards that arrowed into the top corner, leveling the match at 1-1 and leaving the points shared.</p>
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<p>Three points would have at least glossed over some of the problems from today's performance, and a draw in any other manner might not have been so harsh. But to <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/natefc/status/515858622073417728">concede an injury time equalizer for the third time</a> already this season--first in the Ludogorets win, then against Bournemouth--is incredibly painful, and it saps the momentum that had begun to build when it looked as though a Liverpool win would be the only outcome.</p>
<p>The day wasn't without its positives despite the disappointing finish, as <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> defense was composed for one of the first times this season, with Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel mostly solid. Both fullbacks were again impressive, and Steven Gerrard was on his "big match" form in looking more involved. Most of the midfield's success was down to Jordan Henderson, who was terrific alongside Gerrard, at times operating as destroyer and creator in what was arguably one of the 24-year-old's best performances in a Liverpool shirt.</p>
<p>Adam Lallana was also very good but tired noticeably in the second half, a description that applied to Raheem Sterling as well, only with the fatigue more visible early in the match. Sterling's physical condition is excellent, and he was still capable of making dangerous runs deep into the match, but he wasn't as sharp tactically as we're used to. Understandable that both were lacking that extra edge given their exertions in the past week, of course, and confusing that Rodgers didn't seek to spell either of them.</p>
<p>Things continue to look disjointed up top, and their lack of cutting edge again proved to be the difference. <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> came on to good effect in place of Lazar Markovic, but he and Lallana were the only consistent positives in an attack that's struggling badly. Markovic couldn't get himself involved with any sort of consistency, and while Mario Balotelli worked hard to keep himself involved, he still failed to fulfill his duties as the lone man up top. He will surely be better with <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>, and likely would have been better here with <span>Fabio Borini</span>, who was out of the squad entirely.</p>
<p>One point or three, Liverpool need significant improvement. There's plenty of the season left to go, but with another international break rapidly approaching and six matches already gone in league, that improvement needs to take place sooner rather than later.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6853423/liverpool-1-everton-1-blues-steal-point-with-injury-time-equalizer-jagielka-goal-gerrard-free-kick-Ed-2014-09-27T15:15:02+01:002014-09-27T15:15:02+01:00Liverpool 1, Everton 1: Rank the Performances
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>With a tough derby draw with Everton in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">With Liverpool's attack failing to click, it's hard to say anything more than a draw was deserved. Markovic continued to struggle, Sterling's decision making seemed impaired after 120 minutes on Tuesday, and for all Balotelli showed admirable effort, he looked out of place as the lone striker. At least it was more positive in midfield, though, with all three of Lallana, Henderson, and Gerrard impressing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let us know how you saw it. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list—or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6853345/vote-motm-rank-performances-liverpool-1-everton-1-derby-drawNoel Chomyn2014-09-27T14:42:15+01:002014-09-27T14:42:15+01:00Liverpool 1, Everton 1: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Cometh the hour... | Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Everton's 23rd visit to Anfield in the Premier League era brought a draw for the visitors as Phil Jagielka's late strike cancelled Steven Gerrard's opener.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="liverpool blog fc sbn"></p>
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<p><b>Liverpool 1 </b><i>Gerrard 65'</i><br><b>Everton 1 </b><i>Jagielka 90+1'</i></p>
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<li>The opening of the Merseyside was bright and full of entertainment. An early booking for Gareth Barry saw Liverpool have an early chance to score from a freekick after just a minute into the game.<br><br> </li>
<li>Everton and Liverpool both should have been awarded penalties in the first half but Martin Atkinson declined to give either. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> call came first with Alberto Moreno tussling with <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> and <span>Gareth Barry's</span> arm clearly connected with the ball.<br><br> </li>
<li> <span>Jordan Henderson</span> was a titan in the first half and he had a few friends who were performing well in pursuit of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> cause. Step up <span>Adam Lallana</span> in particular and he was here, there, and everywhere. Martin Skrtel, and <span>Dejan Lovren</span> looked like a solid pairing, dealing with any danger effectively. <br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool were the better side in the first half but the corners, shots, half chances, and decent work came to nothing. Everton weren't overwhelmed by any means but weren't finding much joy on the counter as Liverpool remained calm in the defensive third.<br><br> </li>
<li> <span>Mario Balotelli</span> shoots a lot. A lot. He had his chance with the first free-kick so the captain had his turn midway through the second half to score his ninth Premier League goal in Merseyside derbies, more than any other player. Lukaku could have equalised immediately after if his head could have connected with a cross but Balotelli should have put Liverpool two nil up just a minute after Steven Gerrard's goal.<br><br> </li>
<li>Mario Balotelli is not the sort of player who will make runs when Liverpool have the ball in counter attacking situations. He frequently shoots from deep and that's something he'll have to reduce moving forward. He'd also benefit from a partner who will make those runs off the shoulder and into space. <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> and Luis Suárez were exceptional in doing so whether they had a partner or not. His skill on the ball, hard work, and calm temperament are exemplary but if he wishes to improve on his record of one goal in five games, he will need to make adjustments.<br><br> </li>
<li>Lallana's harrying on the 90 minute mark was a sight to behold after his exertions in midweek and that is what a victory needs in the closing minutes.<br><br> </li>
<li>But of course, <span>Phil Jagielka</span> does that. Well well well. A draw and some head scratching.</li>
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<p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="liverpool blog fc sbn"></p>
<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6828115/liverpool-1-everton-1-match-recapCStars2014-09-27T10:00:02+01:002014-09-27T10:00:02+01:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Everton
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>Team sheets, ways to watch, and live coverage as Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby.</p> <p><b>Kickoff:</b> 12:45PM BST/7:45AM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> BT Sport 1 in the UK and NBCSN/<a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/26/6844365/liverpool-v-everton-preview-team-news-and-ways-to-watch-merseyside-derby" target="_blank">Liverpool v. Everton</a></p>
<p><b>Comment:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">Join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b></b>Mignolet<br>Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Moreno<br>Gerrard Henderson<br>Markovic Lallana Sterling<br>Balotelli</p>
<p>Bench: Jones, Toure, Enrique, Lucas, Suso, Coutinho, Lambert</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Everton:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: center;">Howard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Hibbert Stones Jagielka Baines<br>Barry McCarthy<br>Besic Mirallas Naismith<br>Lukaku</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Bench: Joel, Gibson, Eto'o, McGeady, Browning, Osman, Alcaraz</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6852037/liverpool-v-everton-lineups-live-coverage-and-tv-schedule-Ed-2014-09-27T03:00:02+01:002014-09-27T03:00:02+01:00Pre-Everton Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield.</p> <p>1) Martin Skrtel, <span>Dejan Lovren</span>, and Mamadou Sakho. You can only pick two.</p>
<p>2) With Jordan Henderson and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> available, what's happening in that crowded midfield?</p>
<p>3) Does the young and sprightly <span>Raheem Sterling</span> get a rest after playing a million minutes mid-week against Middlesbrough?</p>
<p>4) Will Brendan Rodgers risk <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>? If so, does he start or does he make an appearance from the bench?</p>
<p>5) In a match up famous for the "red mist", will we see a corresponding red card?</p>
<p>Bonus: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> are affectionately known as The Toffees by their supporters, based on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.continuousbusinessplanning.co.uk/blog/27082012133926-the-power-of-market-intelligence--the-everton-mint-story/">warring 19th century confectioners</a> trying to establish a monopoly on selling their toffees to match-going fans. If you are a consumer of sugar, what's your favourite kind of candy?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style='height: 20px; width: 40px; position: absolute; opacity: 0.85; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: medium none; background-image: url("data;'></a></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6852013/pre-everton-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2014-09-26T15:03:44+01:002014-09-26T15:03:44+01:00Preview: Liverpool v. Everton
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<figcaption>Jan Kruger</figcaption>
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<p>Team news, ways to watch, and a full preview as Liverpool face Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday afternoon at Anfield.</p> <p>In the "big" fixtures last season, especially at Anfield, Liverpool were superb. Until the loss against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> in their penultimate home match, Liverpool eased past the likes of <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a>, Spurs, <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a>, and Everton, and narrowly defeated <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> in what looked like the title decider. They mostly obliterated all comers regardless of status, sprinting out of the gates and refusing to relent until matches were comprehensively won.</p>
<p>Fast forward to this season and its a very different story; the season-opening win over <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton</a> has proved excellent given the Saints' form under <span>Ronald Koeman</span>, but at the time it seemed lackluster and lucky, and the loss against <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a> was even less inspiring and included none of the luck or skill. Two matches does not a season make, but it's clear that <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> form at home and in general needs to improve quickly.</p>
<p>So, enter another "big" fixture tomorrow in the form of the Merseyside derby, and a chance jump-start what's been a discouraging campaign (even with four wins from seven in all competitions) to this point. Like Liverpool, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton's</a> start has been underwhelming, with only one win to this point in the league campaign. Last weekend against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a> they wasted a 1-0 lead at home, conceding three straight goals before clawing one back late from the penalty spot. That made for 11 goals conceded at Goodison in three matches, and midweek their defensive woes continued--albeit with a number of changes--in the 3-0 League Cup loss away to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Swansea City</a>. They've been better in two away fixtures in league this season, however, with a 2-2 draw at Leicester and a 2-0 win at West Brom.</p>
<p>Martinez will have late decisions on <span>Seamus Coleman</span> and Stephen Pienaar, with <span>Ross Barkley</span> out long term. In the loss against Crystal Palace last weekend, they went with <span>Tim Howard</span> in goal, <span>John Stones</span>, <span>Sylvain Distin</span>, <span>Phil Jagielka</span>, and <span>Leighton Baines</span> across the back, <span>Gareth Barry</span> and <span>James McCarthy</span> in central midfield, and <span>Christian Atsu</span> and <span>Leon Osman</span> in support of Samuel Eto'o and <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> up top. <span>Steven Naismith</span> and <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> both came on just after the hour. Midweek there were further chances for Eto'o and Atsu, while <span>Aiden McGeady</span> and Bryan Oveido got starts along with Darren Gibson and Muhamed Besic.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Manquillo Lovren Skrtel Moreno<br>Gerrard Henderson<br>Sterling Lallana Coutinho<br>Balotelli</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Brendan Rodgers</span> left the door open for <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> yesterday in his pre-match presser, but starting him here would be ill-advised. He should return to the squad along with <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span>, though, while <span>Joe Allen</span>, <span>Emre Can</span>, <span>Glen Johnson</span>, and <span>Jon Flanagan</span> remain ruled out.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There are a number of decisions to make for Rodgers based on who featured the other night in the win over Middlesbrough, and while it would be nice to see <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and <span>Adam Lallana</span> rested, Liverpool aren't good enough or deep enough to have them left out. They're the form players in a squad that's desperately lacking in that department, and even though both played the entirety of Tuesday's victory--and will be expected to feature on Wednesday in Switzerland--they're likely to start here.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We know <span>Steven Gerrard</span> will join them, and each of Henderson and Coutinho should be fit to start. The latter will need to recapture some form along with his return to fitness; during this fixture last year he was superb, and Rodgers will need him to produce in a midfield that's light on options. The manager acknowledged that Suso will likely be included in some capacity after a strong showing against Middlesbrough, but a starting spot ahead of any of the aforementioned names would be surprising. Barring another start for Sturridge or <span>Fabio Borini</span>, whose showing against West Ham was industrious but lacking in the final third, we should see Mario Balotelli alone up top with numbers in support.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">At the back things look fairly settled despite the fact that they're anything but, with Rodgers preferring Martin Skrtel and <span>Dejan Lovren</span> in favor of either <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> or Kolo Toure. The switch to three at the back against West Ham was a temporary (and not terrifically effective) change, and all signs point to the Skrtel-Lovren pairing with Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno as fullbacks.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff is set for 12:45PM BST/7:45AM EST, with BT Sport 1 carrying coverage in the UK and NBCSN/<a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> airing the match live worldwide for subscribers. Our coverage will start with the overnight open thread tonight and carry into the matchday post early tomorrow, which will have team sheets an hour before kickoff. Hope you'll be around to join us--if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">sign up for an SBNation profile</a> and stick around.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/9/26/6844365/liverpool-v-everton-preview-team-news-and-ways-to-watch-merseyside-derby-Ed-