Liverpool vs Everton Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Jota, Diaz
Everton:
Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Delph, Allan, Iwobi; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray
Liverpool welcome Everton at Anfield in another Merseyside derby. Once again I will start my preview with some history. For those who don't know, Merseyside is the name of the river that divide the city. The match had been referred to as the "Merseyside derby" in at least one national newspaper in 1955. Traditionally, the Merseyside derby was referred to as the "Friendly derby" because of the large number of families who have both Reds (Liverpool) and Blues (Everton) supporters in them. However, the ‘Friendly Derby’ has seen more Red cards (21) than any other in the Premier League history. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and former Everton captain Phil Neville both saw red twice in derby games. Liverpool have better H2H record, they have lost just once in the last 25 mutual games across all competitions. However, the solitary defeat came last season and came exactly at Anfield.
Liverpool are second on the table, four points adrift of the leaders Manchester City who won against Watford yesterday. The Reds are in excellent form - they are unbeaten on the last 12 matches, winning 11 and drawing just once. In the last round they registered a high 4:0 win against arch-rivals Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp's men took an early lead when Luis Diaz found the back of the net thanks to Mohamed Salah's pass before the Egyptian ended his eight-game goalless sequence from Sadio Mane's brilliant pass. The Red Devils had few good opportunities at the beginning of the second half, but Mane ended their hopes with a first-time finish from Diaz's pass in the 69th minute. Salah completed the victory with his second goal in the 85th minute. Klopp has almost a fully-fit squad available for this match, only Roberto Firmino is rated as doubtful with a foot injury. Some changes are expected due to busy schedule, so Naby Keita, Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota could start here.
The current situation of Everton is very complicated. The Toffees have 29 points and they are just outside the drop zone. On the positive note, they have one game in hand and manager Frank Lampard could be optimistic about the survival. In the last two matches they have collected four points. First they beat Manchester United at Goodison Park, while three days ago shared the points with Leicester City. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is much better now, however, the away form is awful. Everton have lost 10 of their last 11 Premier League games on the road. About the team news, Lampard will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He will miss the Merseyside derby due to a thigh injury which will keep him out for at least two weeks. That's not all as Donny van de Beek and Andre Gomes are rated as doubtful. In addition, Andros Townsend, Tom Davies and Nathan Patterson are long-term absences. Dele Alli impressed after coming off the bench in midweek, but should continue as reserve.
Liverpool vs Everton Prediction:
Liverpool are big favorites against city rivals Everton. Fifteen places and 47 points separate the local rivals in the standings. However, this is a derby, all these numbers are not important at all. The Toffees are fighting against relegation and they will give the maximum here. Lampard's men will try to neutralize the Reds attack at any cost, including fouls and yellow cards. I expect a nervous match and I think Everton could stay competitive, meaning they won't lose high.
Liverpool vs Everton Pick: Everton +2.5 AH @ 1.60 with
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