Liverpool have been the most successful of the two Merseyside teams since the Premiership/Premier League began 15 years ago, and this run looks set to continue.

The stature of the team puts fear into most opponents. The quality in the team is easy to see with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres truly world class players.  The excellent win against Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions league, scoring two goals when the team needed to score, shows how impressive the team has become and the ambition the squad has this year. 

True they have struggled in some matches to finish off their opponents and have had to settle for a draw when a win was possible. Their recent form has been fantastic, scoring 13 goals in their last four matches with the fast-paced Spaniard Torres being at the forefront of their end-of-season good form. Just when you thought Liverpool where dropping out of contention for a Champions League spot at the beginning of February, the Merseyside Reds show their true quality. 

'Just when you thought Liverpool where dropping out of contention for a Champions League spot at the beginning of February, the Merseyside Reds show their true quality'


Rafael Benitez's team may not even need the fourth place league finish to qualify for Champions League next season. Remember they are still fighting for a quarter-final berth in this year's competition. Who would bet against them lifting the trophy again this season? After all, they did win the prestigious tournament in 2005 and were runners-up again last year.

In both these finals Liverpool faced a brilliant AC Milan squad, but with Arsenal defeating the Italian giants in the last round, Liverpool could be in with an even greater chance of glory.

True, Everton have had another consistent year and are starting to build a decent squad under the guidance of David Moyes, illustrated by the Everton gaffer winning February's Manager of the Month award. The team is growing nicely and the players are becoming more confident on the pitch.

Their defence has been a strong point over recent years but now Everton have an added bonus as they are now scoring goals in abundance with Yakubu, Andy Johnson and Tim Cahill all dangerous up front. England prospect Jo Lescott has been a revelation this season scoring and making many goals for his team.

Both Merseyside teams have a few difficult matches to contend with in their battle for fourth place in the league. Liverpool have to take on Arsenal and Manchester United while Everton still have to play Chelsea and the Gunners. 

With each team in the Premier League having a lot to play for, whether it be Europe or relegation, no one is going to be a pushover. It may all come down to the crunch clash on the March 30 when they meet in the final derby game of the season.

The match is due to be played at Anfield where Liverpool have lost only once in the league all season, scoring a massive 36 goals. The form of Liverpool in their last four league matches and their superior goal difference over their bitter rivals makes them, in my eyes, favourites to finish ahead of Moyes' battlers.