Merseyside derbies can often define a season. The 225th meeting of Everton and Liverpool on October last year certainly did, even if it was not quite apparent at the time.
“I don’t feel any pressure, I can honestly say,” said Brendan Rodgers after a 1-1 draw that seemed inconclusive. “There is no drama.”
Except there was. Within 90 minutes, the Northern Irishman was sacked, his three-and-a-half year tenure ended abruptly. Jurgen Klopp was soon hired. Whatever the rest of this campaign brings, it will be remembered as the first of the German’s reign, a year that, while results have been decidedly mixed, has felt auspicious and engendered optimism.
Klopp's derby debut may prove Roberto Martinez's final meeting with Liverpool. Even the usually sunny Spaniard abandoned his usual positive adjectives after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton to describe this week as "defining."
• Read more: At Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is 'putting his style on the team'
• Also see: Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino lift in-form Liverpool to another win – in pictures
The significance of a meeting between teams eighth and 11th in the table lies less in the points on offer for the winners than in other issues.
The Premier League is the secondary consideration for Liverpool now. This is only the second biggest game of Everton's week. Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United will confirm if their potential is destined to remain unfulfilled in a season when they have flattered to deceive.
Twin setbacks would amplify the pressure on Martinez. The portion of fans who want him sacked may have already become a majority but a manager whose top-flight career has often been notable for inconsistency and an inability to defend has also exhibited an ability to spring surprise wins. This would be an opportune time to display that he has not mislaid that habit.
He has not won a Merseyside derby, even if a record of four draws in five is scarcely woeful. Everton have not won at Anfield since 1999. They have not won a trophy since 1995 and Martinez’s more recent pedigree, of leading Wigan Athletic to the FA Cup in 2013, helped him get the job at Goodison Park.
But, as Rodgers can testify, there are times when events seem to conspire against a manager. Everton make the short journey across Stanley Park without the injured Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman. Tom Cleverley, Aaron Lennon and Leighton Baines are doubts.
Martinez could be without three of his strongest back four and while Everton have been illogically solid defensively on their travels – or illogically porous at home, depending upon interpretation – that bodes badly.
What can be said is that they have one of the three worst home defensive records and one of the three best away. Their only away defeats have come at Arsenal and Manchester United, even if their journeys have been notable for draws.
In any case, logic can go out of the window, and not merely because of clichés about derbies. The last time Anfield staged a game, the bemused beaten manager was at a loss to explain how his side exited the Europa League.
Thomas Tuchel could be forgiven for being baffled. Liverpool's 4-3 win over Borussia Dortmund was credibility defying. It was branded the 'Jurgen Klopp derby'. This is an actual derby.
“I like these special games,” said the German, who enjoys the emotional occasions, the intensity and the atmosphere.
He should restore most of Liverpool's premier players after a much weakened side beat Bournemouth 2-1. It would be no surprise if, after making 10 changes, he does the same again.
The most intrigue surrounds Daniel Sturridge, who has started Liverpool’s last four league games, but neither leg against Dortmund. The striker’s stop-start time at Anfield has produced 49 goals and, should he repeat his terrific display at Bournemouth, a landmark awaits.
Klopp’s younger players, such as Sheyi Ojo and Divock Origi, are benefiting from the opportunities afforded. Liverpool are gaining momentum as players respond to the manager’s methods.
The German’s options are expanding. Martinez’s are narrowing. He has two games in four days to try and rescue a season.
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