Premier League resumes on Saturday as Liverpool are set to welcome local rivals Everton in an entertaining Merseyside derby.
Fourth-placed Liverpool’s efforts to move closer to the top of the table were curtailed by Brighton & Hove Albion, who held them to a gritty draw before heading to the international break.
Rejuvenated Toffees will now aim to replicate a similar sort of thing to their Merseyside rivals, who are just three points off leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the odds are stacked against the Blues in terms of head-to-head record and the significant gulf in the points table, they will look to build on the emphatic victory over Bournemouth and, at the same time, exploit the Reds’ late struggles – no win in their last two league games.
Liverpool vs Everton Match Preview
Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat against Spurs in a controversial game before managing a 2-2 draw against Brighton away from home; therefore, the lead-up to Saturday’s fixture will be far from ideal for the Reds, at least on paper.
However, they immediately responded with a comprehensive victory over Union Saint Gilloise in the Europa League; moreover, the international break must have allowed them to unwind.
Mohamed Salah netted a brace against Brighton to take his goal tally to five in the Premier League this season, and the Egyptian forward will be aiming to keep up his fine run of form.
Darwin Nunez, who has been one of the Reds’ best players this term, is coming off a productive international break, scoring in both games for Uruguay, including the remarkable 2-0 victory over Brazil.
Nunez’s spirits will be running high, and Klopp will be hoping the Uruguayan marksman translate his form at Anfield tomorrow.
Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister also starred in Argentina’s victories over Paraguay and Peru while he also delivered a masterclass of a performance against the former.
With an impeccable home record on their back – five wins in five games this season, Liverpool will enter the derby as outright favourites.
On the other hand, The Toffees’ lowly 16th position in the table should not be taken for granted as they have been on the rise of late.
Following a horrendous start to the season, Sean Dyche’s men have seemingly pulled things back with three victories in their last four games across all competitions.
It included memorable wins over Brentford and Aston Villa, with both the results coming away from home.
The Goodison Park faithful were treated to a 3-0 demolition of Bournemouth before the international break, with Jack Harrison, James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure finding the scoresheet.
Garner, in particular, has been a key figure in Everton’s revival, with the former Manchester United man making three goal contributions in the last four games.
The 22-year-old has another big opportunity to showcase his quality against Liverpool, while Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also have huge roles to play tomorrow.
Liverpool vs Everton Team News
Liverpool suffered a major blow during the international break as Andrew Robertson picked up a shoulder injury when representing Scotland
Although there aren’t any official updates as of yet, reports suggest that he could remain out for an extensive period.
Nonetheless, Klopp has a quality back-up in Kostas Tsimikas at his disposal to fill the void of Robertson.
In more welcome news to the German manager, Cody Gakpo is expected to be available following his injury against Spurs.
Elsewhere, The Tofees continue to be without Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes and Dele Alli, who are in the treatment room.
Meanwhile, Idrissa Gueye, who suffered a minor setback prior to the Bournemouth clash, is back in contention.
Liverpool vs Everton possible lineups
Liverpool’s potential starting XI
Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota
Everton’s potential starting XI
Jordan Pickford; Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Jack Harrison, Amadou Onana, James Garner, Dwight McNeil; Abdoulaye Doucoure; Dominic Calvert-Lewin
We Say: Liverpool 2-1 Everton
For all their late resurgence, it would be difficult for Everton to soak up the overwhelming pressure that awaits them at Anfield.
Moreover, going with the stellar form of most of Liverpool’s players, the Reds have the upper hand to come out on top in the derby.
