Everton 7-4 Liverpool! Raheem Sterling leads the line but Roberto Martinez's team dominates our Merseyside XI ahead of Saturday's derby at Anfield
With Brendan Rodgers admitting Liverpool's play has been 'a little bit broken' and Roberto Martinez accepting Everton's defending has been 'poor' both managers have issues to address ahead of the crucial game.
It also means Sportsmail has a job trying to come up with the best combined 11 from the players who are expected to be available on Saturday – you will not see those in the treatment room figuring below – but it won't stop us. So here we go. Our formation is 4-2-3-1...
Right-back - Seamus Coleman
Martinez said he will give the Republic of Ireland international every chance to prove he is able to play and his faith is unlikely to be misplaced. Coleman offers a persistent outlet down the flank and defends as though his life depends on it. He gives more going forward than Liverpool's Javier Manquillo. Glen Johnson's injury means he can't be considered.
Central defenders - John Stones and Martin Skrtel
An unexpected pairing, perhaps, but valid reasons for their selection. Stones has caught the eye playing for England and would not be flustered by the big game atmosphere. Skrtel, meanwhile, remains Liverpool's best central defender and his importance to the team has been shown in his absence. He also provides a goal threat at set pieces. Others who play in this position at Anfield and Goodison simply haven't been good enough so far.
Left-back - Leighton Baines
Alberto Moreno would undoubtedly have his backers but you know what you are getting with Baines; reliability at the back and going forward, terrific dead ball delivery and experience. Moreno is still adjusting to English football and doesn't defend as well as Baines yet.
Holding midfield - James McCarthy and Steven Gerrard
McCarthy is a player that every team needs, a 7 out of 10 performance, almost every week and he has been one of Everton's top performers so far. The questions, here, will come over Gerrard, whom Rodgers staunchly defended on Monday. Some will ask why he gets in, so here are the reasons: if, say, you want a last minute penalty converting or a pass delivering at the right moment, Gerrard remains the man to do it.
Attacking midfield - Steven Naismith
The most improved player at Goodison Park in the last 12 months, Everton are better when he is in the team. Works relentlessly, uses the ball intelligently and has the knack of popping up in the right areas at the right moment to score goals. Everton may have started the campaign slowly but that is not something you could level at him.
Left midfield - Kevin Mirallas
When this Belgium international gets in the mood, he is exciting to watch, his speed and skill can befuddle defenders. In his first Merseyside derby, he terrorised Liverpool for 45 minutes until he was the victim of reckless tackle from Luis Suarez. Good from set pieces and scores goals, doesn't appear to showing any lingering fatigue from his World Cup exertions.
Centre-forward - Raheem Sterling
The most unusual pick? You may have anticipated Sterling getting into this team but not as a centre forward. Needs must, however, and this why he would fulfil the role. For starters, Daniel Sturridge may not be fit after his thigh problem. Secondly, Mario Balotelli has not been good enough, ditto Fabio Borini. Then, with Everton, Romelu Lukaku has not yet done enough, while Samuel Eto'o has had fitness problems.
That is why Sterling, with his explosive pace, dazzling skill and three goals to his name already, has to lead this line. It might be an unorthodox position but it is one in which he has the tools to thrive.
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