by aCe' » Fri Oct 26, 2012 9:24 pm
Everton might be unbeaten in 5 in the league but their last 2 results havent been great. Their last 4 games were against QPR (20th in the league), Wigan (16th), Southampton (18th), and Leeds (championship). They won 1, drew 2 and lost 1, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of the games. I wouldnt quite say form is on their side based on that. In the same period, we played 6 games against Anzhi (EC), Reading (19th), Stoke (13th), Udinese (EC), Norwich (15th) & WestBrom (6th) recording 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss to Udinese that we probably didnt deserve. We've kept 3 clean sheets in a row now and have +5 goal difference in the time period as opposed to their +1. IF anything, we have the momentum going into this fixture and not them. Add the suspensions and injury worries into the equation and we should really be going into this one looking to win in.
I really dont think that theres any chance Rodgers would even consider resting or benching Gerrard for this one. He hasnt had the best of seasons yet, but hes always likely to pop up with a goal in a tight game like this one. To be honest, I'd bench Sterling and try to use him as an impact sub in the second half. Bring him on against tired defenders and have him try to use his pace on the break. I'd start Downing and Suso on either flank with Gerrard playing the highest of 3 midfielders.
1-0. Gerrard