A veteran of many Merseyside derbies, ex-Liverpool defender Alan Hansen thinks the Reds will have the upper hand in the two upcoming clashes between the Reds and Everton - especially as the Toffees will be without suspended Fellaini.
On Monday evening Liverpool host Everton, their neighbours from across Stanley Park, in what will be the 207th Merseyside derby. And six days later, on the following Sunday, the 208th will be contested in an FA Cup fourth round tie.
Former Liverpool great Alan Hansen played in many a Merseyside derby and is excited by the prospect of the imminent double-header. Now a leading pundit for the New Football Pools and BBC TV's Match of the Day, Hansen said:
"My old club Liverpool face two Merseyside derbies against in form Everton in the League and FA Cup in what should be cracking games.
"Both sides are playing well but the Toffees' loss of Marouane Fellaini is a massive blow to their ambitions. The big Belgian plays a big part in the way they currently play and offers size and physical strength to a relatively small Everton midfield. He also weighs in with goals which the Blues will struggle to replace with their lack of strength in depth in key areas.
"Despite the fact the match will be tense and no quarter given in any area of the pitch, I would perhaps unsurprisingly have to back my old club to win both games. Rafa’s side will have too much quality for Everton in both midfield and attack but it certainly won’t be easy.
"If David Moyes’ side could win either one of these two clashes it would set them up for the rest of the season but I personally can’t see it."
On Monday evening Liverpool host Everton, their neighbours from across Stanley Park, in what will be the 207th Merseyside derby. And six days later, on the following Sunday, the 208th will be contested in an FA Cup fourth round tie.
Former Liverpool great Alan Hansen played in many a Merseyside derby and is excited by the prospect of the imminent double-header. Now a leading pundit for the New Football Pools and BBC TV's Match of the Day, Hansen said:
"My old club Liverpool face two Merseyside derbies against in form Everton in the League and FA Cup in what should be cracking games.
"Both sides are playing well but the Toffees' loss of Marouane Fellaini is a massive blow to their ambitions. The big Belgian plays a big part in the way they currently play and offers size and physical strength to a relatively small Everton midfield. He also weighs in with goals which the Blues will struggle to replace with their lack of strength in depth in key areas.
"Despite the fact the match will be tense and no quarter given in any area of the pitch, I would perhaps unsurprisingly have to back my old club to win both games. Rafa’s side will have too much quality for Everton in both midfield and attack but it certainly won’t be easy.
"If David Moyes’ side could win either one of these two clashes it would set them up for the rest of the season but I personally can’t see it."
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