Blog: Everton - a tactical analysis
Ahead of tonight's Merseyside derby clash, Paul Wilkes takes a look at what we can expect from Everton at Anfield with his tactical preview.
It's probable Everton will naturally field their strongest line-up in the next two matches, as just three days after the Merseyside derby they play Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley.
Roberto Martinez rested both Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley ahead of the short trip to Anfield, as the Spaniard faces the biggest week of his managerial career at the club.
He will likely set up in his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, although with several injury concerns he can't opt for his first-choice defensive unit. The constant changes to the backline have certainly affected Martinez's philosophy of playing the ball out from the back.
In the opening six games of the Barclays Premier League season they conceded just five goals, including encounters with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as they made only two changes to the back five in the period. However, they were forced to make six changes across the next six matches and that culminated in the side conceding 11 goals.
Martinez will evidently be wary of the pressing ability of Liverpool's attackers and will probably play a number of long balls into the channels to relieve the pressure. Barkley and Lukaku will also be expected to use their strength and physicality around the base of the Reds' midfield, while both possess the capability to hold the ball up for their teammates.
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The emphasis on getting the ball into wide areas quickly will be aided by the returning James McCarthy, who is excellent at switching the play and passing with speed towards the wings. With Aaron Lennon doubtful, it's expected that Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu will provide the width, and they will aim to push both Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno back.
Everton's away form has been much stronger than at home, with the team earning seven points more on the road. The expectation level on home turf may have played a part in this scenario, although it perhaps points to the fact that the Blues are better equipped on the counter-attack rather than the possession-based ideology that Martinez likes to endorse.
Another reason for this is that they have scored only one goal from a set-piece at Goodison Park, whereas they have netted seven from such situations at other grounds. However, in recent weeks this has been flipped, with their only win in the last seven matches in all competitions arriving in the 2-0 victory over Chelsea.