Liverpool vs Everton Match Preview: It’s Derby Day

Background

The 289th Merseyside Derby is taking place this weekend with only one place and three points between champions Liverpool and neighbours Everton. Earlier in the season saw the sides share a point in a bit of a mad game. 2-2 the final score. Goals from Micheal Keane and DCL, a brace from Salah, a VAR overturned potential winner by captain Henderson, a Richarlison straight red and Jordan Pickford destroying the dreams of Liverpool fans everywhere. Both went on to have their ups and downs in the league since then, but now they find themselves still around the same as each other, with a lot more at stake.

Don't forget to read our Merseyside derby shockers article to get you in the mood for the big game!

Everton

February 16, 2021November 1, 2021

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It’s Derby week baby. The game that means a bit too much to Merseysiders and almost always has controversial moments. Be it an Everton team in despair trying to get ...

Combined XI

This season it’s a lot more of a competition when looking at a combined xi. With both teams around the same in the league.With Everton being injury plagued and The Pool missing a player, I’ve decided to compare a fit and healthy team.

The 4 Liverpool players getting the nod are Allison over Pickers or Olsen, Mane & Salah over whoever we decide to stick on the wing and I’ll let Van Dijk take Yerry Mina’s place out of sympathy for his early death. The rest of course are Everton players, simply better in every other department.

Digne best LB in the league.

Don’t mention Trent to me for RB.

Hendo? Firminho? Lol.

Who else do Liverpool have I actually can’t remember. Forgettable. If Everton’s starting 11 were fit at the same time and playing together consistently Klopp would have been crying a lot sooner. He isn’t too happy about the position the respective clubs are in going into the match. He said midweek;

“Nobody wants to be on 40 points and almost level on points with Everton”.

Good one. Arsehole.

Form

But believe it or not Everton aren’t too happy to be in the position they’re in either. Losing the chance to close in on the top 4 due to inconsistency against teams lower in the table. Everton are the weirdest team in the league this season. Being described as the Robin Hood – stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. A solid record against the ‘Top 6’ but a frustrating amount of losses against teams fighting relegation.

Liverpool have been having an awful time defending their league title. After going 68 games unbeaten at Anfield, they’ve now lost the last 3 and are winless in their last 5 there. Everton haven’t won at Anfield since 1999 and haven’t won a derby in over 10 years. However, they look the most primed they’ve been in a very long time to end that streak. Everton have gotten 17 from a possible 21 away points stretching back to the start of November. They’ve performed well against the top 6 and very well away from home. Much needed midfield presence Allan is potentially available, perhaps free scoring DCL too.

Predictions

Liverpool play this game before their second leg in the champions league, have a weakened bench and awful home and league form. It’s never been looking this hopeful for an Everton Merseyside Derby win in all my life. Which is why we will lose…

I’ve seen this movie before…

That’s Everton.

I’d be delighted to be proven wrong but I’d be lying if I said I’m confident of even getting a result in this game. We may be the giant killers this season, but Liverpool is one giant we just can’t overcome, yet. Our time will come, but I don’t think it’s this weekend.

Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Loooool you thought I was serious?

Carlo’s Tricky Toffees are marching on! Fullham? Man City? Never heard of them mate. Get the forks out for that Tricky Toffee Pudding with a dressing of Bastard Ball. DCL and Allan probably ain’t playing, but MVPs Richarlison and Pickers are.

J1 ready to snatch a few more legs and Richy to get another red and 3 game ban as a sacrifice after he scores his brace. Doucoure going to absolutely eat that absolute fraud Thiago (not prem quality btw).

Digne will have Trenty on strings. Micky Keane will bag another header or two. James will be dancing around the park in all that glorious space.

It’ll be magnificent.

Liverpool 1 – 5 Everton

Salah Richy x 2

Micky Keane X 2

Doucoure why not