The undoubted Premier League clash of the weekend is between Merseyside under-achievers Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
Respective managers David Moyes and Roy Hodgson will not have expected their sides to be languishing towards the wrong end of the table at this stage of the season, but results don’t lie and nor do their league rankings.
Everton, in 16th, and Liverpool one place below them and in the relegation zone, are enduring traumatic campaigns. They have claimed just one win apiece from their opening seven fixtures.
However, with local bragging rights on offer, a win for either side would see their worries alleviated, at least temporarily.
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Star striker Fernando Torres offered Hodgson a glimmer of hope when he returned to training during the week after picking up a groin problem in the damaging 2-1 home loss to Blackpool.
England midfielder Steven Gerrard will be looking to grab the game by the scruff of its neck, but he will be tested by the likes of Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill.
In last season’s high-octane derby, Liverpool secured a fortuitous 2-0 success at Everton’s home.
They opened the scoring against the run of play when Javier Mascherano’s speculative long-range drive was deflected beyond Tim Howard by the desperately unlucky Joseph Yobo.
Despite the Toffees dictating much of the play and having two goals chalked off, Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt settled matters when he tapped in the loose ball after Howard had failed to deal with an initial effort.
Also on Sunday, Blackpool, who are enjoying life in the top-flight, face big-spending Manchester City, who are the overwhelming sportsbook favourites to win at Bloomfield Road.
City have claimed three successive victories to move ahead of fierce city rivals Manchester United.
Although manager Roberto Mancini hasn’t brought a free-flowing style to Eastlands, with talent in the form of Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Adam Johnson and Yaya Toure, they look as though they could challenge this term.
However, a spirited Seasiders outfit will make it as difficult as possible for them as they look to get as many early points on the board as possible.
They have already secured fine triumphs over Wigan Athletic (4-0), Newcastle United (2-0) and, most notably, Liverpool (2-1) this term and, if they can somehow manage to tame City, it would be another David slaying Goliath scenario.
