Didi Hamann’s combined Liverpool-Everton starting eleven promises to get fans talking.
There are three surprise absences with former Reds strikers Luis Suarez, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler all missing out.
The German has instead opted for a partnership of Fernando Torres and ex-Everton man Duncan Ferguson. Thankfully, there is also a place for Steven Gerrard.
In his blog for Paddy Power, Didi said: “I just think Torres took it beyond any one before him, Owen would have been my first sub. I wanted to go Torres and Owen, but ‘Big Dunc’ just edged it for me with his bulk and power.”
“Michael was unlucky to miss out, but he’s not a bad sub either. We had to have some Everton players too.”
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Never mind Suarez. Where is Steve Finnan?
We’ll accept Hamann’s decision to put Gerrard on the right, purely for the fact that he could play absolutely anywhere across the midfield and still have an impact on the game.
As good as Torres was for us, we just can’t agree with choosing the Spaniard over any one of the three strikers that were left out.
What we can agree on is the trio of Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina. Three leaders and three highly talented players.
It’s best we avoid trying to come with any praise for the likes of Duncan Ferguson and Tim Cahill. There had to be a few Everton players in the team, after all, and for that reason both are admittedly more than worthy of Hamann’s recognition. Two accomplished players in their day.