Our former midfielder Danny Murphy, who had a much appreciated habit of scoring against Manchester United, has named his combined Merseyside XI ahead of Sunday’s clash for the Premier League’s official website.
Below, we’ve included Murphy’s comments and our own analysis of his choices.
GK) Tim Howard
Murphy: “You can see the passion when he plays and he is more reliable than Simon Mignolet.”
Fair? Perhaps, based on Mignolet’s past few weeks – but in reality – the Belgian’s actually kept more clean-sheets in 2015 than any other stopper.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne
Murphy: “A brilliant one-on-one defender, where he edges Seamus Coleman, and still good going forward.”
Fair? A close call with Seamus Coleman, but we’re glad Murphy’s backed the Red.
DL) Leighton Baines
Murphy: “Brilliant delivery, scores goals, good defender.”
Fair? Baines is currently crocked and Moreno’s been excellent at left wing-back recently – but we’d concede the Everton man is more solid defensively in a flat back four – but reckon our Spaniard has the talent to better him.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Murphy: “Aerially, the best centre-half and the one who tries to organise and lead from the back.”
Fair? We’d prefer Mamadou Sakho than Skrtel in honesty, and would start him alongside Stones.
DC) John Stones
Murphy: “Potentially one of the best centre-backs this country is likely to see.”
Fair? Undeniably a tremendously talented centre-back. It’s a shame for the Toffees that he won’t be there for very long, having already had his head turned by Chelsea!
MR) Ross Barkley
Murphy: “He’s getting better every week I see him.”
Fair? Barkley needs to be put into a combined XI based on this season’s performance, although he’d be wasted out on the right in Murphy’s formation.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Murphy: “He’s super fit, quick, strong, can tackle and score a goal.”
Fair? The best central midfielder in either squad is Henderson. Our captain’s legs, passing and determination have been sorely missed in his absence through injury.
MC) James McCarthy
Murphy: “He will get more goals as he gets more experience, because he’s got the energy to get in the box.”
Fair? We don’t especially see McCarthy as a terrific improvement on Lucas or James Milner, and think when Emre Can reaches his potential he’ll be better than the lot – but due to his start to the season, it’s reasonable to put the Irishman in.
ML) Coutinho
Murphy: “So many times we’ve seen him try and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen.”
Fair? The easiest selection of all, although he’d be wasted in Murphy’s 4-4-2. Talent wise, Everton’s attacking midfielders apart from perhaps Barkley can’t get near him.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
Murphy: “He’s fit there’s no one near him in either squad, for natural ability, for finishing, confidence and skill.”
Fair? The best striker at either club by some distance, Sturridge could well be the difference on Sunday.
FC) Christian Benteke
Murphy: “A really difficult one, Benteke or Lukaku. I would choose Benteke, because he’s more reliable.”
Fair? Lukaku’s on fire right now, but Benteke is less streaky and much better technically than Everton’s Belgian.
