Liverpool and Everton are set to square off at Anfield in the 240th edition of the Merseyside derby on Sunday. One of the most famous venues on the planet forms the backdrop for the 60th Premier League instalment of the Merseyside derby, with both sides desperately needing points for different reasons.
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The Reds come into one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in football trailing Premier League pacesetters Manchester City by a single point. On the other hand, Richarlison’s last-gasp equaliser against Leicester City in midweek league action has kept Everton just one point above Relegation spots and the 18th-placed Burnley. After guiding the Toffees to back-to-back Premier League matches without losing for the first time since October (W1, D1), manager Frank Lampard admitted he would happily take a point at Anfield.
Why should you be watching and where
A classic rivalry of the neighbours. One fights relegation and one hopes to take another positive step towards the PL title, the fixture l holds a lot of essence to its fans, also a chance to steal the bragging rights. For viewers in India, the game will be available on Star Sports Select HD and Disney+ Hotstar.
KEY BATTLE LIVERPOOL’S FRONT LINE VS EVERTON’S DEFENCE
If Everton wants to get anything out of the match, they will have to stop Liverpool’s potent forward line. The Reds have scored 83 goals in 32 Premier League fixtures this season. The Toffees have conceded 53 goals in 31 top-flight games this campaign.
With that being the case, Everton is going to have their work cut out trying to stop the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota. Everton Defenders Godfrey Keane and Coleman will have to bring out their A-game against this in form Liverpool attack.
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool boss Klopp will have his entire squad fit for Saturday’s encounter, with Roberto Firmino the only player having a question mark hanging over his head
Predicted Line-Up
Formation : 4-3-3
Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz.
Everton
In stark contrast, Everton will be without several high-profile first-team figures, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andros Townsend and Tom Davies. Andre Gomes and Donny van de Beek will undergo further checks to understand whether they would be available to feature
Predicted Line-Up
Formation : 4-3-3
Pickford, Coleman (RB), Mina(CB), Godfrey(CB), Mykolenko(LB) Allan(CM) , Docoure(CM) , Iwobi(CM) ,Gray(LW) , Richarlison(ST). Gordon(RW)
Key Players
Liverpool
Thiago
Liverpool’s midfield has lacked a conductor for a while now. Really, when considering Thiago, they haven’t had it since Xabi Alonso left. Obviously, they have the anchor in Fabinho, vital not only for his defensive work but for his ability to kickstart counters and avoid a press. They also have (when fit) Naby Keita, the midfield dynamo capable of beating players with dribbles and playing incisive short through balls to the front three. They have the link between the defence and the middle, and the middle and the front line, but they don’t necessarily have the one-piece coordinating it all. Above all, their midfield lacks creativity.
Everton
Gordon
So far this season, Gordon has largely been deployed on the right-hand side, competing with Andros Townsend. On the wing, the 20-year-old is a willing runner, stretching the opposition full-back up and down the channel.
Being deployed on the side of his favoured foot, and using a quick turn of pace or skill to beat the defender, Gordon typifies a throwback winger. Atypical of the inverted wingers sprouting up throughout the Premier League, the Englishman favours fizzing a ball across the box, rather than cutting inside to open up differing avenues of attack.
Despite his age and slight frame, the Englishmen are more than happy to get stuck in. In fact, it’s something he relishes. Being a local lad, it’s unsurprising that Gordon is the kind of blood-and-thunder player that the Goodison Park crowd crave.
Conclusion
Liverpool really should be defeating Everton on Sunday. The reality is, the Reds are a far better side than the Toffees. As we have already pointed out, Klopp possesses such a potent forward line. We don’t know how Everton’s defence will be able to cope with the Red’s forwards.
But, the Reds should still be wary heading into Sunday’s game. There is no such thing as an easy match in the Premier League. If Klopp’s team is off the pace, there is no reason why Everton couldn’t take advantage of that. But, a lot would have to go wrong for Klopp’s side to fall short in this particular fixture.
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