In a few short hours soccer fans around the world will do whatever it takes to make sure they are parked in front a television. Today's Merseyside derby is a must-watch for anyone who considers himself a fan of the beautiful game. Matches between crosstown rivals Liverpool and Everton are always a big deal, but this one carries added importance. Liverpool are currently clinging to fourth place and the final Champions League spot that comes with it. Everton are just one point behind Liverpool. With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea showing no signs of slipping from the top three, it appears Liverpool, Everton, and Tottenham (and possibly Manchester United if Moyes can right the ship) will battle for fourth the remainder of the season. A win today at Anfield would be massive for either side. I don't want to make a prediction for this match because truly anything could happen. The only thing I am sure of is that the 222nd Merseyside derby will be an exciting match that will make a great watch for neutrals like myself. While we wait for kickoff, let's take a look at some of the more memorable Merseyside derbies in recent years.
1991 FA Cup 5th Round replay: Everton 4 - Liverpool 4
Just three days after playing to a scoreless draw at Anfield the Blues and the Reds exploded for four goals apiece at Goodison Park. Everton trailed on four seperate occasions and showed tremendous resilience in equalizing each time. Of course a few of those goals were gifts from the poor Liverpool defense, but they count all the same. The game was knotted at 3-3 after 90 minutes before John Barnes put Liverpool on top in the first half of extra time with a brilliant strike to the top corner. Once again Everton refused to die, and Graeme Sharp poked one between the legs of the Liverpool keeper in the waning minutes of extra time. Everton went on to win the second replay 1-0.
2001: Everton 2 - Liverpool 3
This was an exciting match throughout, with Everton going down 1-0 and 2-1 and finding equalizers on both occasions. Both sides were awarded a penalty, with Liverpool missing and Everton converting. The reason this match is so well remembered by Liverpool fans is Gary McAllister's absurdly audacious free kick deep into stoppage time that won the match. Even if you don't watch the whole video above be sure and go to the 4:00 mark and watch from there. Truly an unbelievable end to a fantastic derby.
2004: Everton 1 - Liverpool 0
While not as high scoring as the above matches, this one had just as much excitement. Both teams attacked and generated a number of scoring chances. The game easily could have had several more goals than it did. When Lee Carsley curls in the lone goal in the 68th minute, the Goodison Park crowd goes absolutely mental. Everton just barely stave off a hard-charging Liverpool in the final minutes of the game to secure their first win over Liverpool at Goodison in seven years.
2013: Everton 3 - Liverpool 3
It was only just earlier this season that we were treated to an instant classic between these two sides. Within just eight minutes both teams were already on the scoreboard. Suarez bent in a lovely free kick in the 18th minute to give Liverpool the 2-1 lead. Lukaku equalized in the 72nd minute and then stuck again in the 82nd to give the Toffees the lead. Refusing to accept defeat, Sturridge headed home a Suarez free kick minutes later to level the score again. Both teams would have been simultaneously disappointed to have let their lead slip and relieved to have salvaged a draw. This was a game the kept spectators fixated throughout the whole thing. Some pundits immediately labelled the match as the best Merseyside derby ever.
Bonus footage: The first Merseyside derby that was filmed
Enjoy the match!
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