In-form Mersey duo set for latest local tussle

It says much for the motivational and coaching skills of David Moyes and Rafa Benitez that both Everton and Liverpool are in such good form going into the Merseyside derby this weekend.

When the teams last clashed, a little over nine weeks ago, both clubs were virtually on their knees, their fans stunned by an astonishing loss of form that saw their pre-season expectations ripped to shreds before the Christmas decorations had even been put up.

In late November Liverpool had just been cast out of the Champions League and had suffered five defeats in 13 matches. Everton hadn't won in ten and had just lost 3-2 at Hull, a performance David Moyes described at the worst in his time at the club.

The last Merseyside derby was seen by both clubs as a chance to turn their season around. Things appeared to be favouring the red side of Merseyside when Javier Mascherano's wild shot deflected off Joseph Yobo and into the Gwladys Street net after just 12 minutes. Indeed lady luck was on Liverpool's side that day, with Everton enjoying the lion's share of the possession but failing put the ball past the impressive Pepe Reina, before Dirk Kuyt sealed the points late on.

That defeat left Everton teetering just three points off the relegation zone, with an injury list as long as the Mersey and plans for a new ground scrapped by the government - things were looking blue for the Goodison Park club.

So it is a credit to David Moyes that he has managed to turn their season around so quickly. Unbeaten in the league since that derby game, the Toffees have since breached the top ten and have their eyes once again on Europe.

Liverpool, of course, had that disastrous defeat to Reading in the FA Cup which turned up the heat on Benitez, but in the League at least things have improved. They have managed three wins and a draw from their last five outings, lifting the club to within a point of 4th placed Spurs. Benitez has promised his side will finish in the Premier League top four and they will need to keep up this run of form if they are to do so.

So on the back of their respective good runs both Liverpool and Everton will see his local clash as an ideal platform for a successful finish to the season.
However, the football betting suggests that it will the red half of Liverpool who will be celebrating again this weekend.