I have taken a look at Everton to see what we can expect. Here is the average position of their players in their last 3 away games.
Its clear that Baines is a big outlet for them and allows for Pienaar to come inside. On the right, if Mirallas plays, he tucks inside whereas if its Naismith, he tends to hold his position on the right.
There are more infographics and stats in my blog here:
http://roryfitz9.webnode.com/news/liverpool-vs-everton/
Everton attack down their left 43% of the time this season. This is the highest % for any wing of any team. Stoke are 2nd with 42% down their right.
In the blog I also looked at the positioning of Downing and Henderson in our recent game against Newcastle given that Coutinho was the player in the 10 role behind Sturridge.
The following graphic is from the recent Newcastle game. There are few things that will be of interest;
1. Henderson's heat map shows a player that didn't stretch the play, rather, he fulfilled roles across midfield partly to help press the play when off the ball but also partly due to Sissoko coming infield from that side. If Mirallas does play down their left/our right, Henderson could compress space by tucking in but there would have to be due consideration from him and Enrique when Coleman comes forward.
2. Downing's heat map is not that remarkable but I have put it up as a good contrast to show the activity from his side on the right wing and that of Henderson who was supposedly on the left 'wing'. Again, with Downing more likely to naturally stay wide, this could be beneficial off the ball with Baines coming forward.
Read more: http://roryfitz9.webnode.com/news/liverpool-vs-everton/
Cheers for those stats, I think they highlight mostly what you'd expect to see from both sides. Baines is obviously a very good player and see's a lot of the ball for Everton. Mirallas is very comfortable with possession in tight areas, and when Baines gets a yard to cross a ball he does it with great effect, particularly if he's hitting it first time, he's no slouch either. Glen Johnson is going to have to be on his game and will need some legs in front of him to try and deny Baines any room to express himself whilst he's tied up with Mirallas who is trying to get on the inside of him. Henderson would be my choice to start from the right and make sure he's constantly in Baines face as well as providing us balance and mobility from there. He'll also tuck in and get into the box when we are on the front foot and it may well be that Baines finds it difficult to track Jordan with Johnson getting down the outside of him. As highly as I rate him, Glen is a concern at right back in terms of his form with the strength the bitters have down that flank and that they can deliver dangerous balls when given to much room, something Glen has been guilty of conceding in crossing areas. I'd also like to see Glen concentrate on getting on the outside and giving us width more often, as he has had a tendency to amble inside onto his left peg recently and not only slow the play down, but give the ball away. Having a natural central midfielder in front of him may force him wider whilst giving him solid protection. It's not normally such a concern for me, but given how good Everton are down the left, I'd say whether Johnson or Wisdom start, Henderon should play from the right.
A majority of our side more or less picks itself. Pepe in nets of course, no doubt Carragher and Agger will man the back line and Enrigue will bully his way to the left back spot. Ahead of them will be Lucas lynch-pinning the midfield, and setting the tempo, with Gerrard being the eyes and directing play just ahead of him. Up top Sturridge which leaves Countinho at #10 and Downing or Borini from the left. It's a tough one for me, because Downing has been in excellent from and really clocking up the miles and the ambition, but I always feel a little awkward when he plays ahead of Enrique. Both being left footed and wanting to get on the outside, neither are massively technically gifted or aware of other players on the ball. With a different type of full back and forward ahead of him, Downing can be effective from the left, but here I feel he is much better on the right. I'd be tempted to pluck for Borini. He needs games, and for me will suit Enrique better with good movement (particularly inside) allowing him to offload the ball quickly and get running off it again. I feel he and Downing get on each others toes a little out there. Borini is desperate to prove himself, full of running, provides good movement and needs to get up to speed. If things aren't working out, he or Henderson can always make way and Downing can play from the right, and I'm sure he'll make way at the hour mark anyway - let him build from his last goal.
As for Coutinho, I feel he could be effective from the attacking midfield position he occupied much of the Newcastle game. Everton aren't the best at dealing with slight, quick footed players who can get about them, Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin, Hibbert Gibson etc etc are not the most mobile defenders in the league and with short sharp passing, good movement and ball skills they can very much be 'got at' through the middle of the park. Phillipe, I feel anyway, is ultimately our long term option there and we may as well give him games in that role before another attacking player arrives in the summer. He was superb last week at The Sports Direct Area
(still makes me laugh) and it is a weakness he is the perfect tool to use in order to exploit. His running ahead of Lucas and Gerrard is not quite at the level of Henderson's, but it's still very good and there is always the option of him on Jordan switching during the play.
Should be an entertaining game. Plenty of tempo, tackles, passion and of course, emotion. There may be rivalry between the clubs, but ultimately it's companionship and respect. Still, let's hope we hammer them 4-0
but I'm gunna' guess at an enthralling 3-2 or something of the sort.
