This Sunday's Liverpool v. Everton match could to be one of the biggest Merseyside derbies in Premier League history. Not only is local pride on the line, but the winner will have the inside track to the fourth and final Champions League spot and all the riches that come with it. Unfortunately, it seems both sides will be missing key players.Everton will be without its second-leading scorer after midfielder Tim Cahill was ruled out for the season after suffering a broken metatarsal last week against West Ham. It's the second time in two years that the Aussie has broken that bone in his foot. (Maybe it's his boots.)
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Javier Mascherano, who's facing an FA charge for being a stupid, angry loudmouth last Sunday. He will miss this weekend's derby and could miss two more Premier League matches. The suspension will not affect his availability for Liverpool's upcoming Champions League ties with Arsenal, as they are separate competitions.
Everton has not beaten Liverpool at Anfield since 1999, though, and losing Cahill is a far more significant blow to the blue side than losing Mascherano is to the Reds. How much will it affect Everton's slim Champions League hopes? I guess we'll find out on Sunday.
