Liverpool vs Everton: Merseyside Derby Preview and Prediction
The Premier League serves up one other engaging chapter of Merseyside rivalry as Liverpool host Everton at Anfield. This assembly carries further intrigue with either side in good type and taking part in with renewed function.
Commercial
Liverpool Chasing Excellent Begin
Liverpool have appeared sharp underneath Arne Slot, opening their title defence with 4 wins from 4 within the Premier League. Their midweek Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid was dramatic, a 92nd-minute header from Virgil van Dijk sealing a 3-2 win in entrance of a raucous Anfield crowd.
Picture: IMAGO
British-record signing Alexander Isak made his debut, finishing 58 minutes and forcing Jan Oblak right into a high quality cease simply earlier than the break. He’s nonetheless working his means again to full health after lacking a lot of pre-season, however his presence provides one other layer of risk to an already formidable entrance line.
Commercial
Slot will contemplate rotating his squad after fielding a full-strength aspect in Europe. Jeremie Frimpong returned from his hamstring harm to start out midweek, although he could also be rested to handle his workload. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai may be candidates for lowered minutes after taking part in 90 minutes towards Atletico. Curtis Jones stays sidelined with a knock picked up earlier than the worldwide break.
Everton’s begin has been outlined by vitality and invention. David Moyes’ aspect sit sixth after wins over Brighton and Wolves, a response to their opening day defeat to Leeds. Their defensive resilience was on show within the goalless draw with Aston Villa final weekend, which highlighted their rising confidence.
Commercial
A significant component has been the mortgage signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester Metropolis. The ahead has rapidly rediscovered his finest type, producing 4 assists in his first 4 appearances. Moyes should determine whether or not to start out Beto, who has one objective in 4 video games, or give new signing Thierno Barry an opportunity to steer the road. Tyler Dibling might additionally make his first begin since becoming a member of from Southampton, having been restricted to a Carabao Cup cameo to this point.
Picture IMAGO
Harm points persist on the again with Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko nonetheless unavailable, which means Moyes will seemingly keep on with the defensive pairing that saved Villa quiet.
Commercial
Tactical Battle at Anfield
This derby could possibly be outlined by tempo and transition. Liverpool stay potent however have proven vulnerability when pressed early. Everton will seemingly look to hit rapidly on the break, utilizing Grealish’s creativity to launch runners into area behind the Reds’ excessive line.
Slot’s problem is to keep up his aspect’s defensive construction whereas making certain they don’t run out of concepts in possession. The choice between beginning Isak or Hugo Ekitike is essential, as each provide very totally different profiles. Ekitike has began the season effectively however could possibly be sacrificed to ease Isak again into rhythm.
Everton haven’t tasted victory at Anfield in 4 years, however they arrive with perception. Liverpool have been pressured to grind out outcomes, together with a late Mohamed Salah penalty to edge Burnley 1-0 of their final league outing.
Commercial
A frenetic opening might set the tone. If Everton are courageous and stretch the sport, they’ll hassle Liverpool. Nonetheless, Slot’s aspect have developed a knack for late targets and can again themselves to discover a means by way of.
Prediction: 2-2 draw.
Head-to-head numbers favour Liverpool, with 95 wins to Everton’s 63 and 75 attracts. The final assembly ended 1-0 to Liverpool because of a Diogo Jota strike.