This is one of two days in the calendar year when Liverpool stands still. Red against blue. Klopp against Ancelotti. The Merseyside derby; a city divided.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford makes no-nonsense prediction about new-signing
Today marks the 235th Merseyside derby but is perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated match-ups in recent years after the blue half of Liverpool started the new 2020-21 campaign off in fine form.
Ancelotti’s Blues, with the help of new-signing and world-class midfielder James Rodriguez from Real Madrid have started this season in faultless fashion.
Everton currently sit at the top of the Premier League’s table after taking a maximum 12-points from their opening four fixtures, including an opening day win over Spurs.
Elsewhere, current champions and arguably the best team in Europe at the moment, Klopp’s Liverpool have just suffered a shock 7-2 defeat to last season’s relegation fighters Aston Villa.
Today’s derby has added excitement as both sides will be keen to take all three-points away from Goodison Park and perhaps is the first derby in years where the Toffees can truly believe they can claim the bragging rights over the fierce rivals.
Ahead of this afternoon’s crucial clash, selection of both sets of fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts after both team’s line-ups were confirmed:
? ???? ???? ?
?? Allan and @aftgomes return to the starting XI.
?? Deadline Day duo Robin Olsen and @BenG0dfrey feature on the bench. #COYB ? #EFC pic.twitter.com/c0P9ENxj4L— Everton (@Everton) October 17, 2020
? TEAM NEWS ?
How we line up for the derby ? #EVELIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2020
Everton fans:
We are owed a win today, 10 years to the day of our last win, 5 years since we lost out greatest ever manager, surely the football gods have to smiling down on us today?? #UTFT #NSNO #COYB
— Steve Woolley (@SteveWoolley7) October 17, 2020
To get results against this lot we need to have a more positive, confident mindset both on the pitch and as fans off the pitch – let’s win this today Blues #COYB #NSNO #EVELIV
— SnakeHips (@SnapJem) October 17, 2020
First #MerseysideDerby in a long time I’ve felt we have an @Everton team confident and capable of getting that monkey off our backs!! 5th anniversary of the death of our greatest manager, lets #DoItForHoward #UTFT #NSNO #COYB #KAGB #HowardsWay #SpiritOfTheBlues #EVELIV #Everton
— Martin Fell (@TheOtherTrigger) October 17, 2020
Really nervous one minute and then get goosegogs from listening to spirit of the blues and reading all your posts especially pienaars!!! #COYB #NSNO
— Garry Slater (@garlater) October 17, 2020
Come On You Toffees! ? #EFC#MerseysideDerby #EVELIV
— Jamilur Ashiq (@80q_TheMan) October 17, 2020
Thiago vs James? Yes please!
— Allen Walker (@Allen_Walker_95) October 17, 2020
James with a winning goal?
— 3??4???? (@Keysaani4) October 17, 2020
Liverpool fans:
Let’s go Reds! Let’s paint the town #RED! ?? #LFC #EVELIV #PL #EPL #YNWA #MerseysideDerby
— Chinmay Sowani (@koploveranfield) October 17, 2020
YES COME ON LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!! #LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #EVELIV pic.twitter.com/FFdH5ZV9Ik
— AJ (@BornHeelAdam) October 17, 2020
That’s fair depth with Alisson and Keita not even there. You love to see it #LFC https://t.co/04NUlgyUHN
— Owen Webb O Rourke (@OwenWebbORourke) October 17, 2020
If @Thiago6 scores today on his Merseyside derby debut I’ll get his beautiful mush tattooed on my leg #lfc
— stephen Judge (@ste_judge85) October 17, 2020
Feels like the Thiago era properly begins today…we had a taster at Chelsea but now is where it really begins.
Excited! #LFC pic.twitter.com/vO7509xdjn
— Love4 Liverpool FC – The Premier League Champions (@Love4LFC) October 17, 2020
Thiagoooooo … Thiago Alcantaaaaraaaaa ???? #LFC #YNWA #Thiago
— Piia ?? ? (@PiiaMay) October 17, 2020
Very harsh to not have Jota start today. But it is high time the front three started against Everton considering this being the last season they will be playing together. #LFC
— ABHI (@SociallySober) October 17, 2020