The Polar Roads for Merseyside

For many years now one of the most notable rivalries, and matches, in the English football calendar has been the Merseyside derby. Interestingly enough, though, despite it being a fairly one-sided rivalry in favour of Liverpool in recent times, Everton seem to have more fans based in the actual city.

That isn’t particularly relevant to the story but it’s definitely intriguing to see the split down the middle, especially when you take a look at their respective fortunes on the pitch.

Today, we’re going to have a look at what has been for the red half and blue half, as well as what lies ahead.

Liverpool

Liverpool fans have gotten pretty accommodated with the feeling of success over the course of the last few years under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. The German sensation knows better than anyone how to get the best out of this group of players and with a Premier League title, League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League to his name, he’s on his way to becoming one of their all-time great bosses.

They finished 2nd last season behind Manchester City and unfortunately for the Reds, this era is going to be a tough one for them as they continue to fight tooth and nail to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s boys.

They’ve lost a few names in the summer transfer window, most notably Sadio Mane, but the introduction of Darwin Nunez has served as a welcome relief for those who felt like they were going to be left short-changed up top.

A few returning youngsters, as well as a few new ones, should also give them a decent amount of strength in depth in cup competitions, which is also now an area they seem to understand pretty well.

They’re better than they have been in a long time and if they can continue their role as mentality monsters, they’ll go far.

Everton

Evertonians everywhere were left feeling a distinct sense of relief when they were able to avoid relegation and finish the season in 16th, but when you think about where this club has been in the past, that surely can’t be good enough?

It can’t even come close to being good enough, in fact, and we’re really confused as to why any supporters think Frank Lampard will do anything aside from lead them back down towards the bottom five – and potentially worse.

They’ve been able to bring James Tarkowski into the mix which was a nice free transfer signing but on the flip side, Richarlison has left for Tottenham.

Every time it seems like the Toffees are taking one step forward, they immediately go and head two steps back, with an almighty shift needed behind the scenes if they’re going to become challengers again.

Alternatively, given how strong the league is at the moment, the Championship will either be seen as a good rehab spot or as a place they’ll be lingering in for a long time.

We hope, as do many neutral fans, that it doesn’t get that far.