After international break, the English Premier League returns today October 17, with big matches including the Merseyside Derby.
Today Saturday November 17, is 10 years to the day since Everton’s last win over Liverpool – a time when the mood was very different at both Merseyside clubs.
This weekend’s game is a mouthwatering match-up between the unbeaten Premier League leaders and the all-conquering defending champions, still reeling after losing 7-2 at Aston Villa last time out.
The size of that scoreline was shocking – but a decade ago, any defeat was hardly a surprise for either side. On the morning of 17 October 2010, they were both in the bottom four after losing three of their opening seven league games.
It was the Reds who were suffering the greatest crisis – as well as lying in the relegation zone, they were seemingly at war with themselves. Back then, no-one was proclaiming them as the best team in the world, least of all their own supporters.
Going into the derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool had made their worst start to a season since 1953. They had not only lost at home to Blackpool in their previous match, they had been totally outplayed and booed off the pitch at full-time.
On top of that, they had just suffered a humiliating penalty shootout defeat at Anfield by League Two minnows Northampton in the League Cup, manager Roy Hodgson was receiving abuse from fans just three months after taking charge, and there were also protests against owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, as John W Henry attempted to push through his takeover before the derby.
Everton are 100% they have won all there games and will be looking to beat their rivals Liverpool, a Merseyside win will boost Everton’s morale and could be a massive step in quest to win EPL tittle.
In Manchester, Mikel Arteta will visiting Etihad stadium to face his former employers. Arteta boosted his squad by bring Thomas Partey and could surprise his former boss Pep. On his side, Pep is struggling to fix his squad following withdrawal of Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.
The Belgium midfielder, 29, was substituted in his country’s Nations League match against England on Sunday.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said the move was a “precaution”, but City boss Pep Guardiola said he is not available for the Arsenal match.
“I don’t think it is serious, but the next games I think he will be out. We will see,” he said.
De Bruyne returned to City after leaving the Belgium squad before their game against Iceland on Wednesday.
City are 14th in the Premier League table with four points from their first three games.
“I never complain about the international break,” added former Spain midfielder Guardiola.
“I know how important it is for players. It is an honour and a privilege. Always we want the players to come back fit, with no injuries. Sometimes you can’t control it.”
There has been better news for Guardiola on the injury front this week, with the return of Sergio Aguero from a long-term knee injury.
The 32-year-old Argentina striker suffered the injury against Burnley on 22 June, missing City’s Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League run-in, as well as their opening fixtures this season.
“He’s been training for three or four days. He has been training well. I am happy to see him on the pitch after so long. Every team needs a striker,” said Guardiola.
Guardiola is yet to make a decision on whether Aguero will feature, but Portugal internationals Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva are both fit for the visit of the Gunners.
Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus is still out after he was injured in City’s win at Wolves on 21 September.
Manchester United will visiting Newcastle United late today. The Red Devils will be looking forward to reedeem themselves after they were humiliated by Tottenham during their last fixture. However, United will be without a striker after Anthony Martial was red carded and newcomer Edison Cavani still in quarantine. It is a must win match for Ole Gunar or he might lose his position as United boss.