
Everton make the short trip to Anfield on Saturday to face Liverpool in what promises to be a pulsating encounter as the Toffees will aim to get only their second Merseyside derby victory since 2011.
Liverpool entered the international break with their heads held high following a five-game winning streak, but their triumphs came to a halt due to a controversial loss against Tottenham Hotspur.
Their next challenge against Brighton didn’t provide an easy path either, as they were held to a 2-2 draw with less than 15 minutes left to play, keeping them three points behind the early Premier League leaders, Tottenham and Arsenal.
On the other side of the Merseyside divide, Everton experienced a much-needed turnaround before the break. After amassing only one point from their opening five matches, a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United marked the start of an improved performance.
Everton followed this with their first league win of the season against Brentford, but they suffered a setback against Luton, who secured their first victory against the Toffees.
Nevertheless, Everton impressed in their final match before the break, achieving a convincing 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at Goodison Park, climbing to the 16th spot in the standings.
Despite their newfound form, Everton still face challenges when it comes to converting goal-scoring opportunities. Their conversion rate of 6.77% ranks among the lowest in the Premier League. Yet, they have displayed proficiency in creating chances and have managed to capitalize on them, as demonstrated in their comprehensive win over Bournemouth.
The Merseyside Derby, while historically intense, have seen Everton emerge victorious only once in their last 28 meetings with Liverpool. Despite their struggles, Everton are yet to find the net in their past three encounters with the Reds. In contrast, Liverpool’s defense have shown signs of vulnerability, with only one clean sheet in the league this season.
Typically, derbies are known for their fiery nature, but both Liverpool and Everton have displayed relatively good discipline in terms of yellow cards this season.
Liverpool have averaged just 1.88 yellow cards per game in the Premier League despite a few red cards. Everton, with an average of 1.63 yellow cards per game, is one of the four teams receiving fewer.
In terms of goal-scoring, Mohamed Salah has shone for Liverpool this season, scoring consistently in all three league games at Anfield, including a brace against Brighton in their last outing.
LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON MATCH STATS
- Liverpool have maintained a perfect record at home, winning all five of their home games this season.
- Everton’s recent record against Liverpool is unfavorable, with just one victory in their last 28 meetings.
- Liverpool have not recorded a clean sheet in their past four league games.
- Everton have found the back of the net in six of their last seven matches.
- Mohamed Salah has scored five goals in nine games against Everton.
- Despite accumulating a record four red cards in eight games, Liverpool have averaged only 1.88 yellow cards per game in the Premier League, with Everton receiving even fewer at 1.63.
- Liverpool have been the dominant force in recent Merseyside derbies, with only one Everton victory since 2011.
- There have been a total of 293 Merseyside derbies, and Everton’s most recent victory at Anfield occurred in February 2021, behind closed doors, with a 2-0 scoreline. Since the return of fans to the stadium
- Liverpool have won their last two home encounters against Everton by the same scoreline.
- Everton initially struggled to score in their opening three matches of the season but have since improved, finding the back of the net in six of their last seven fixtures. They have also scored at least two goals in each of their last four away games, although they have not kept clean sheets in those matches.
- Everton’s conversion rate of 6.77% in the top flight is the third lowest in the league this season.
LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON MATCH DETAILS AND OFFICIALS
DATE: Saturday 21st October
LOCATION: Liverpool, England
VENUE: Anfield Stadium
KICK-OFF TIME: 11:30 UTC, 12.30 pm BST
REFEREE: Craig Pawson.
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Marc Perry, Wade Smith.
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Thomas Bramall.
VAR: David Coote.
ASSISTANT VAR: Stuart Burt
TICKETS: Tickets via official club channels are sold out but fans can still buy Liverpool vs Everton tickets through reputable ticket resellers like Seatsnet.com.
LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON TEAM NEWS
The international break provided a timely respite for Klopp, allowing injured players to recover and giving the team a break when their momentum was faltering.
Among the returning players, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo are significant names that will bolster the team’s attack. Jota will be back after serving a suspension due to accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches.
Gakpo, who had been sidelined with a knee injury, is expected to make his return to the squad for this game.
The status of Stefan Bajcetic is being monitored, as he is on the path to rejoining the first team after a serious injury.
Thiago Alcantara remains unavailable, and a decision regarding Andy Robertson will be made as he suffered a shoulder injury while representing Scotland against Spain.
For Everton, Andre Gomes is making a swift recovery from a calf injury. Everton legend Seamus Coleman is another potential squad member, having overcome a knee injury. Dele Alli is a long-term absentee, but there have been positive updates, suggesting a potential return to Premier League action after a lengthy absence.
Idrissa Gueye was initially set to start against Bournemouth two weeks ago, but a heel injury during the warm-up led to James Garner being brought in to play in midfield. Garner’s outstanding performance gave manager Dyche a positive selection headache.
Gueye was able to represent Senegal during the international break, but Dyche may see no reason to change the lineup that secured the recent victory, which would also see Dominic Calvert-Lewin maintain his place as the number nine.
LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON PREDICTED LINEUP
LIVERPOOL PREDICTED STARTING LINEUP: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Elliott, Szoboszlai; Jota, Nunez, Salah
EVERTON PREDICTED STARTING LINEUP: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana; McNeil, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin
LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON PREDICTION
Everton have recently shown a knack for scoring goals away from home and will aim to end their three-game goal drought against Liverpool, The Red’s however, have been dealing with fitness issues and late returns from international duty.
Even if Everton scores first at Anfield, Liverpool’s track record of staging comebacks is well-known, and Klopp’s prolific attackers can counter with their firepower, and victory in the early kick-off will propel the hosts to the top of the league.
Liverpool are heavily tipped to grab the maximum three points as their star players are set to make a return in what promises to be an electric atmosphere at Anfield.
