The View From Goodison Park: Barkley's bullish running can serve up derby goals

Can Ross Barkley make a big impact on his return to first team action

True blue Paul Jacobs takes a look at the Merseyside Derby from an Everton perspective and he expects the home side to go for the jugular against a suspect Liverpool defence...

You could say this about every game on Merseyside when it comes to the tenacious nature of the derby in Liverpool, but this match-up really is a pivotal renewal for both teams in a topsy-turvy season.

Let's get one thing straight before we walk along the yellow brick road or should that be red and blue road of punting mayhem and that is Everton fully deserved their point at Anfield in the reverse fixture.

Mario Balotelli pirouetted around the pitch like a cumbersome bear looking for his next jar of honey instead of his first league goal. Dejan Lovren was as about as effective as a ship's anchor made of paper and Liverpool's midfield was bereft of creativity.

Now the scenario has changed, Liverpool have had their Road to Damascus moment (probably that defeat at Manchester United) and as much as it pains me throughout every nerve and fibre of my body, they are playing some delightful football.

They are further along that pathway to redemption than us as we have only just taken our first steps by beating Crystal Palace.
Our resources have been stretched to breaking point by the Europa League which once again has reared its ugly head, but still ironically remains our one bright spot this season.

What will Everton do on Saturday? I think we will attack, I think we will lead an assault from the start of the 90 minutes and try and to pressurise a system that far few teams have been able to get to in the last couple of months. That means getting at a back three that to me still seems vulnerable if you can go beyond the wing backs.

Emre Can is a decent player on the ball, but bottom line is that he's playing out of position and has huge defensive frailties and if Aaron Lennon (where's McCarthy when you need him for a lyrical match-up) starts I suspect Martinez will want to unleash him at the German's core weakness, speed.      

Ross Barkley will emerge refreshed from a spell on the bench and we need him to run with the ball so I hope he starts in the eleven. If RM unleashes him and plays two men wide then I think we will see a hugely open game and goals to boot.  

Liverpool need to win this to keep their hands within touching distance of Champions' League qualification so I can't see Rodgers holding back. 

Goals in a Merseyside Derby? Yes, you bet your Besic backside and Barkley at exchange odds of 10.09/1 looks worth a shot at first goal scorer.

But this is going to be a goals game and Over 3.5 net busters at 3.259/4 will do me and it could even be more if the game gets off on the right footing early doors.

Remember defences hate speed and both teams have that commodity in abundance so expect a few yellow cards to boot as well.
Our main problem has been at set pieces this season so I am going to also suggest a Martin Skertel first goal @ 21.020/1 and on the Betfair Sportsbook anytime at 13/2.

It will be fast and furious, but I suspect we will emerge first into the land of Oz and come to the conclusion at the end of 90 minutes that there really is no place like home!