Liverpool - Finishing above Everton would constitute success

Liverpool finished below Everton last season, and while they may have loftier ambitions in the long-term, it is becoming clear that to topple their rivals this season will be quite an ask.

After beating them home and away in 2011/12, by an aggregate score of 5-0 (2-0 and 3-0) you would have been forgiven for thinking last season was another case of Liverpool being dominant over Everton.

Add into the mix that the Reds defeated their rivals 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final, and it should have been a miserable season for the Toffees.

Except it wasn't. While they had their customary difficult start, they finished really strongly, while for Liverpool, the wins over their neighbours were pretty much their only high point when you factor out the Carling Cup.

After spending millions Everton could only have dreamed of doing, it was remarkable that Liverpool ended up in such a predicament which led to the sacking of Kenny Dalglish and appointment of Brendan Rodgers.

When this season started, it was unclear what Liverpool's ambitions should be. Most supporters would have taken Champions League qualification, but after a terrible start with no wins in four games, it is already looking like a tough ask.

So what should Liverpool's ambitions be currently? Right now it is unclear, the season is only four games in, so it would be premature to rule them out of springing a surprise, no matter how unlikely it looks.

Right now the club simply need to get a first win under their belts, with the weekend's match against Manchester United a huge test they feel they need to pass.

Regardless of whether they do or not, matching United when the season comes to an end next May will not happen. The Red Devils will be pushing for the title, and Liverpool will not.

It's where they want to get to eventually, but for now, finishing above their more local rivals across Stanley Park would constitute success.

Everton are going along greatly so far this season, and talk is even turning to their own Champions League push. The Toffees resemble a far more settled side than Liverpool at present, as you would expect given David Moyes' long associate with the club.

They have had a good start, rather than a slow one, and do not have European football as a distraction. They are hoping to emulate last night's opponents Newcastle in pushing the 'big guns' all the way for the top four places.

If Liverpool can finish above them, it will be a solid achievement for the club in Brendan Rodgers first season in charge. Forget a top four place for now, that would be a bonus. And it should be their aim, not long-term, but this season.

Just winning Merseyside supremacy should be the target for Liverpool right now, and it looks set to be quite a challenge, which says everything about Everton's consistency and development over the past 12 months.

Can Liverpool finish above Everton, or is it asking too much? Should they aim even higher or is it a fair target?

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.