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SoccerPreview
'Would be pretty special' to win Merseyside derby
TL;DR
The upcoming Merseyside derby is particularly significant as it marks the first match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Liverpool faces pressure to perform well after recent struggles against Everton.
Key points
- First Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Liverpool's recent struggles against Everton
- Importance of physicality in derby matches
- Intense atmosphere expected from fans
LiverpoolEverton
[BBC]
It is the Merseyside derby this weekend and I'm extremely nervous for this game of football. I get nervous for every derby for obvious reasons but this one feels like there's more importance on it and there is a couple of reasons for that. The main one being that it's the first Merseyside derby at their new home and I just reckon they're going to be so bought into not losing the first derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
I reckon the players will buy into it, the fans certainly will create an incredible atmosphere which will be tough from a Liverpool perspective but the manager will be bought into it as well. And when I look back over recent years going to Goodison Park, I just feel like Liverpool weren't up for the task, they weren't up for the challenge.
At times Liverpool were bullied and you've got to put the hard yards in because you've got to be physical in these games of football when you face Everton and that is a problem for me because Liverpool this season have been so weak physically and mentally at times it feels like they haven't had a real backbone and if anything goes wrong in games of football it feels like they just can't bounce back from it and they cannot let that happen in this game. They cannot let themselves be bullied.
They have to be ready from the first whistle, they can't start slow and they've got to be ready for the physicality of this game and that is another worry for me.
In recent years it just feels like Liverpool have been the more superior side, they've definitely been more superior in terms of where they finished in the league and it feels like for a large majority we've had the better players but right now it's so hard to understand and to predict which Liverpool are going to show up.
Are you going to get the best version of Liverpool who saw off the likes of Real Madrid earlier on this season or are you going to get the Liverpool that shows up against Manchester City in the FA Cup? I just don't know but I'm really hoping that Liverpool show up with a point to prove.
Q&A
Why is the Merseyside derby important this weekend?
This weekend's Merseyside derby is important because it is the first match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, adding extra significance to the rivalry.
What challenges has Liverpool faced in recent derbies against Everton?
Liverpool has struggled physically and mentally in recent derbies, often appearing unprepared and unable to respond to challenges from Everton.
How will the atmosphere at the new stadium affect the derby?
The atmosphere at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium is expected to be intense, with fans highly motivated to support their team in this crucial match.
What does Liverpool need to do to win the derby?
Liverpool needs to demonstrate physicality and resilience to avoid being bullied by Everton, as past performances have shown vulnerabilities in these areas.
