English Premier League: Brendan Rodgers backs Reds to cope with pressure

Liverpool manager in search of his first derby win against Everton.

LONDON: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers goes in search of his first win in a Merseyside derby against Everton confident his players are better equipped for the challenge than before.

After two draws in Rodgers’ first experiences of the derby atmosphere last season, the Reds hope to give the boss a maiden victory in today’s meeting at Goodison Park.

Rodgers expects the 221st Merseyside derby to be as frenzied as ever and believes his team are now more battle-hardened and capable of thriving in such a testing situation.

“It’s a really hostile environment to go and play in,” said Rodgers. “Goodison is a really good venue for football and it’s a ground that will test your character. We will lose games but our ability to bounce back and to be resolute is improving all the time.”

Meanwhile, Everton boast an impressive home record, having not lost at Goodison Park since December 2012, and caught the eye in victories over Chelsea and Newcastle this season.

Arsenal’s options bolstered as Walcott returns

Arsenal’s hopes of cementing their position at the top of the Premier League will be boosted by the return of Theo Walcott for today’s clash against Southampton.

Arsene Wenger’s side sit two points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the meeting with Mauricio Pochettino’s emerging side, who are just three points behind the Gunners in third place.

A defeat against champions Manchester United before the international break took the edge off Arsenal’s impressive early-season form and a further setback against the Saints would raise more questions about their ability to sustain their challenge.

However, the break has provided Wenger’s squad with the chance to regroup and allowed Walcott to regain full fitness after a two-month absence with a stomach injury.

And Wenger believes the England winger can provide his side with an added dimension.

“He is one of the players who goes behind the defence without the ball,” said Wenger.

“Players who get behind the defenders are very important and Theo has that quality.”

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker should return on a high after his goal secured Germany’s 1-0 friendly victory over England at Wembley this week.

Chelsea look to get back on track in West Ham trip

Jose Mourinho will expect Chelsea to revive their title challenge away to London rivals West Ham United today after their recent dip in form.

Mourinho’s men narrowly escaped a second successive league defeat immediately before the international break when a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time secured a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Now Chelsea, currently four points behind leaders Arsenal, will attempt to rediscover their form at Upton Park against a West Ham side desperate for points following a disappointing start to the season that has left them on the fringes of the relegation zone.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2013.

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