Merseyside will be divided into two halves on Monday night when Everton take on their arch rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park in what will be the 227th Merseyside Derby. The two clubs are separated by just a few miles from each other and share one of the fiercest rivalries in English football. Many call it ‘the Friendly Derby’ but the name does not go well with the fixture that produced the most number of sending offs in Premier League history.
Both sides got morale-boosting wins in midweek. Everton did enough to see off mighty Arsenal whereas Liverpool coasted past Middlesbrough with a 3-0 margin. Everton have not won a Merseyside derby in their last 12 attempts but this is Ronald Koeman’s first one in charge of Everton and he will be eager to give the fans a reason to celebrate.
The last time these two sides met, Liverpool won emphatically at Anfield. Ramiro Funes Mori was sent off for a dismal challenge of Divock Origi who is the heartthrob of the Liverpool fans right now. Liverpool need to pick up three points at any cost to keep Chelsea under pressure who are right now nine points clear at the top of the table.
Team news
Everton
Ronald Koeman will miss the service of their captain Phil Jagielka who is suspended after picking up five yellow cards. Winger Yannick Bolasie has had his first knee operation but faces another surgery before beginning the long road back. Besic is also missing through an injury.
Liverpool
Midfielder Marko Grujic remains sidelined with a tendon injury. Sturridge is being considered for a cameo role off the bench as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury, while Emre Can (knee) and Joel Matip (ankle) are also well on the road to recovery.
Predicted lineups
Everton (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Coleman, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines; Gueye, Barry; Lennon, Barkley, Valencia; Lukaku
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana; Mane, Origi, Firmino
Key players
Everton- Idrissa Gueye
Everton’s summer capture from Aston Villa, Gueye has been impressive for Everton this season in the middle of the park with his tenacity and industry. The Senegal international has to be on top of his game against Liverpool to ensure that the likes of Henderson, Wijnaldum and of course, Lallana do not enjoy their game.
Liverpool- Adam Lallana
Lallana has often turned out to be Liverpool’s hero this season. In the midweek, he pulled off a sublime display against Boro bagging two goals and one assist. The boyhood Everton fan will have an emotional outing against the club he grew up supporting.
Odds
Everton win @16/5
Draw @11/4
Liverpool win @1/1
