MARTIN KEOWN’S

MERSEYSIDE DERBY PREVIEW

DON’T CRUMBLE UNDER WEIGHT OF THE KOP

THE KOP has an impact on any player. I felt trying to defend at the Kop end was very difficult because Liverpool come at you in waves. Add the noise behind you and it’s tough. That was even the case when I went there during years in which Liverpool were less capable — my record there as an Everton player reads Played 3, Won 0, Drew 1, Lost 2! There’s a unique emotion that runs through the veins at Anfield. With most clubs, you admire the Kop and take in the fantastic anthem. As an Everton player, it just makes you want to beat them.

LIVERPOOL LACK A LUKAKU

EVERTON have something that Liverpool do not — Romelu Lukaku. They lack that focal point. Jurgen Klopp’s team are reliant on the quality of three very good front players, but when they have lost Philippe Coutinho or Sadio Mane — Roberto Firmino has been the common denominator throughout the season — they have not looked as effective. Lukaku (right) could play on his own but Liverpool need their trio together.

KOEMAN’S GRAND PLANS

UNDER the surface, Ronald Koeman is very ambitious. He shared dressing rooms with Pep Guardiola and learned under a brilliant manager in Johan Cruyff. He will want to make things happen at Everton. The club have a wealthy benefactor in Farhad Moshiri and they will be building a new stadium. It could be the start of a dream spell for Everton. Koeman could be the manager to fulfil those dreams.