We spoke to Read Liverpool editor Ben Smith ahead of Sunday’s hotly-anticipated Merseyside derby. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Hi Ben, thanks for joining us. First up, we’ve often heard this fixture described as the ‘friendly derby’. How close is this to the reality, in your opinion?
Friendly is probably the wrong word, particularly on the pitch. No Premier League fixture has produced more red cards than the Merseyside derby.Having said that, there is a level of respect between the two sets of fans. If anything I’d say Everton fans hate Reds supporters more than vice versa.It’s perhaps easier for me to say this as someone that isn’t from the city, but I have a much stronger hatred for Chelsea and Manchester United than I do the Toffees.
2. Give us your assessment of Liverpool’s season up to now. What’s a realistic goal for the team this year?
The first three games were absolutely fine; seven points from three games was a great return even if we weren’t doing anything spectacular.It’s all gone downhill since. The home defeat by West Ham is one of the worst displays I’ve ever seen at Anfield, and the display at Old Trafford was equally appalling.Fortunately we’ve picked up a few points since then, and things have improved slightly – largely down to Daniel Sturridge’s return – but I still think we’re quite a way off the top four at the moment.It pains me to say this so early on in the campaign, but all I can see at the moment is Liverpool battling for fifth with Tottenham.
3. Brendan Rodgers seems to be under a fair bit of pressure at the minute. What’s your take on the situation? Is he the right man for the job?
We’ll see. The journalists who know best seem to think that FSG are intent on keeping him in charge, so it looks as though unless things go drastically wrong i.e. we end up in the bottom half or (God forbid) worse, he’ll get the season.I’m not sure if he can turn it around. It’s his fourth season in charge now and we still don’t have any kind of identity as a team. At least for you guys under Roberto Martinez it’s clear what he’s trying to achieve – even if it doesn’t always come off.
4. What do you make of Liverpool’s summer signings? Are there any areas you think have been neglected?
I’m a bit concerned about Roberto Firmino. There was all sorts of excitement among the fanbase when we signed him, and I got right on board with it even though I’d never seen the guy play! Nothing I’ve seen so far makes me think that the hysteria was justified, but I understand it does take some players time to settle.
Danny Ings is already looking like a clever bit of business, and I’m sure Christian Benteke will get 15-20 goals provided he stays fit. Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Joe Gomez should prove to be good signings too.My biggest worry is that I’m not sure whether Rodgers has a clear plan for the players he has signed. We saw the same problem last season, and most of the recruitments from 2014 have already been shipped out or aren’t in the side.
We perhaps could have done with a new first-choice goalkeeper, but I’d imagine that will be sorted next year if Simon Mignolet doesn’t improve.
5. What do you think of Everton’s start to the season?
I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen, particularly away from home. The desire they showed after going 2-0 down at West Brom to turn it around was particularly admirable.The 3-1 win at home over Chelsea was great from Everton, too. John Stones was impeccable that day, as was Steven Naismith of course.
6. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I quite like him. I remember a lot of Everton fans ringing in the phone-ins last season calling for his head, which seemed harsh.You have to admire his insistence on possession-based football, even if it’s perhaps a tad predictable and one-dimensional.
7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to Anfield given the chance? And how many of our players would get into a combined XI?
John Stones, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku. Those three and Leighton Baines would get into the Liverpool side.
8. Which Liverpool players should Everton be wary of on Sunday?
Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings. The latter may surprise you there but he was our best player throughout September. And I’m sure you Blues all know about Sturridge’s quality!
9. And who will Reds fans fear in a blue shirt?
Lukaku will be the main danger for us. He’s always a handful. Liverpool will have to look out for Naismith too as he always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
10. Likely Liverpool team and score prediction
The team, I think, will be: (3-5-2) Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Clyne, Milner, Lucas, Coutinho, Moreno; Ings, Sturridge.
I’ll be slightly pessimistic and go for a 1-1 draw. Sturridge and Lukaku with the goals.
Thanks to Ben to his time. Be sure to follow @ReadLiverpoolFC for all the latest talk ahead of the match.
