Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield for the Merseyside Derby on Sunday.
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas issued a warning for the Toffees ahead of the Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Sunday, when speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, suggesting that they might just have to ‘park the bus’ if they are to take anything from the game.
Everton head into the game at the weekend in 10th spot in the table, six places and 11 points behind their bitter rivals Liverpool, who have been in sparkling form of late, scoring an incredible 12 goals in their last two games.
Form usually goes out the window in derbies, however, and Sam Allardyce’s men will go into the game full of confidence themselves, after recording consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this season.
Nicholas explained why it will be so difficult for the Toffees to keep Jürgen Klopp’s men at bay on Sunday, highlighting the Reds’ movement and pace as two things for Everton to be extremely wary of, when speaking exclusively to Sky Sports:
“It is very difficult. We’ve seen Manchester United go there and park the bus. Liverpool’s forwards don’t really have any defensive responsibilities. It’s the movement. We were calling them the Red Arrows the other week – when one moves into a position another will take the space he’s moved from. Interchanging, it used to be known as. They are fabulous at it. It is the pace at which they do it. To defend that, you have to park the bus really deep, sit on the edge of your box and play with protection – probably three central midfield players in front of your defence – and say ‘you will have to go round the flanks’. Whether Everton are good enough? I have my doubts.”
Everton fans will be hoping that with Allardyce now in charge their side will be set up with a certain kind of rigidity. The 63-year-old places great emphasis of defensive responsibility, and how they will need that at the weekend.
The game kicks off at 14:15 and can be seen exclusively live on Sky Sports.
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