The Litmus Test

Tonite's highly-anticipated Merseyside Derby takes on new proportions; as for the first time in a long time; it is Everton who are above Liverpool in the table. In fact; they are bang on top; on the crest of a wave with a perfect four-wins-out-of-four record; and in fact seven straight in all competitions; looking like a team rejuvenated with the new signings under Carlo Ancelotti and perhaps even challenging for the title.

So today provides the ultimate litmus test; against the defending champions Liverpool; who have looked so imperious but suffered a shocking 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa in the last game Thus tonite's derby holds big implications and could have a significant bearing on the rest of the season.

Merseyside derbies have of course always been special. Those days in 1986 when the two best teams in the country were also the Merseyside derby meant it was extra special... with the winners gaining a significant edge in title runs and cup competitions as well. One of my early memories is of course Gary Lineker scoring that famous opener in the 1986 FA Cup Final; before ultimately getting pulled back by a virtuoso performance from Ian Rush & Craig Johnston. Barely three years later; another breathtaking final was played out as these two teams met again; with Liverpool again coming out on top in gut-wrenching terms after goals by Ian Rush (again) overcoming a spell-binding late equaliser from Stuart McCall.

In more recent times there have been equally memorable games: the 3-0 win by Everton when Andrew Johnson headed in off Jose Reina; the 2-0 win when Mikel Arteta scored the second goal; the nearly 0-0 draw when Jordan Pickford committed the Origi-nal sin... and many more.