Liverpool are all set to clash heads with their rivals Everton this Sunday in what promises to be a highly entertaining game of football. The Reds will be confident about their chances of securing a derby victory at Anfield, where they have been excellent this season. Jurgen Klopp’s men thrashed the Russian champions, Spartak Moskva 7-0 in the midweek Champions League game at Anfield which helped them book a place as group winners in the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.
Everton on the other hand, have turned their fortunes for the better after the arrival of Sam Allardyce as their new manager. The Blues of Merseyside have secured three consecutive victories in a row and have scored 9 goals during that run. They have been spectacular going forward in the last few games which have seen the likes of Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurðsson return to form.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently in fourth place and are fighting for a place in the top four with the North London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur hot on their heels. With three crucial points up for grabs, the German manager knows that a derby-day victory will go a long way in helping Liverpool in their quest to secure Champions League football for next season.
The Reds of Merseyside are unbeaten in their last 14 encounters against the Toffees in all competitions. It’s a record that will strike fear at the hearts of every Evertonian. However, with a new manager at the helm, the Toffees will be optimistic that this time they will do enough to snatch a victory at Anfield.
Team News:
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet will return in goal after sitting out during the Champions League win against Spartak Moskva. However, Alberto Moreno will miss the Merseyside derby after falling victim to an ankle injury in midweek. James Milner is set to take his place at left-back ahead of Andrew Robertson. The game might come too soon for Joel Matip so Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan will start in central defence.
Captain Jordan Henderson will return in midfield with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can battling for the final spot in midfield.
Everton
Sam Allardyce is expected to line up with an unchanged side for a third consecutive match. Although, it remains to be seen whether he will opt for a more defensive formation against Liverpool or to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation which has brought them success recently.
Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool (Formation: 4-2-2-2)
Simon Mignolet will start in goal for Liverpool and will be shielded by a back four of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and James Milner. The Reds’ skipper Jordan Henderson will line up alongside Emre Can in the Liverpool midfield with the new ‘Fab Four’ of Liverpool which includes Phillipe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino linking up in the opposition half.
Everton (Formation: 4-1-4-1)
Jordon Pickford will once again start in goal and will be protected by a back four of Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate, Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina. Idrissa Gueye will play in a holding midfield role with Tom Davies and Wayne Rooney playing in front of him. Aaron Lennon and Gylfi Sigurðsson will assume their roles in either flank with youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin starting up front.
Odds:
Liverpool win: 8/25
Draw: 26/5
Everton win: 10/1
