da supremo： It seems to have become the fashion for cross-city rivals to be locked in intense battles for European places and the war on the banks of the Mersey would appear to be no different ahead of the new season. Will Everton’s new attacking philosophy be the difference or will the ‘reds’ have the final say come May 2014?
da brwin： Here I run the rule over which of Everton and Liverpool appear best equipped to mount a Premier League top four challenge next year.
Everton
A summer of change for the ‘toffees’ has seen a new man installed at the helm. Roberto Martinez will look to bring a bit of Spanish flair to complement the dogged steel of the previous regime. The additions of Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu may help in this regard as Martinez looks to shuffle his already competent pack at Goodison Park. Free agent Antolin Alcaraz and the capture of Joel should further strengthen a defence that has always been a strength for the ‘toffees’.
What can we expect next season? Martinez has already set his sights high, with the goal of Champions League football being his long-term aspiration. In the mean time a transitional phase may well necessitate setting the clubs sights slightly lower. I would imagine a return to European football of any kind would represent a successful season for the club, and if Martinez successfully combines attacking flair with defensive rigidity then this is surely achievable.
Liverpool
It has been a period of intense uncertainty for the club as the gloom of the Suarez transfer saga continues to cast an ugly shadow over Liverpool’s prospects. Admirable in their approach to the ordeal, it now seems to be anyone’s guess whether the star man stays or goes. A Liverpool side devoid of the Uruguayan would be a totally different prospect to one with him, world-class players have that effect and the resolution to the saga may well determine the clubs short-term ambitions.
Liverpool have been incredibly active aside from the Suarez issue, the sale of flops from previous regimes have allowed Rodgers a greater freedom to manoeuvre in the market. The departure of Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jonjo Shelvey among others has freed up the financial capital to rejuvenate the side. The additions of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto would appear excellent prospects for the future, with Simon Mignolet a ready-made replacement for Reina in goal. The issue for Liverpool is whether this focus on youth recruitment could well sabotage their short-term hopes, as it stands the squad they possess is unlikely to be capable of a top four push without suitable acquisitions in the next few weeks.
Verdict
In my opinion neither of the two Merseyside clubs will be in the shakeup for a Champions League place next term. I expect a similar battle between two closely matched sides for the less coveted Europa spots to be the more likely outcome. As it stands Everton have the edge simply because they have endured a far less painful summer, and the transition to new management may well see them push on with a settled squad. If Liverpool can keep Luis Suarez and get the best out of him again they may well top their rivals, but in reality I think this is impossible. Even if he stays, the Uruguayan is unlikely to have the mental state to recapture the form of last season, and I cannot see the players around him to compensate for this. Liverpool have been linked with late last minute moves for marquee signings, Willian comes to mind, and these last two weeks of the window may well determine whether they can bridge the gap with Everton.
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