Liverpool have stuttered a bit as they played out a few draws in the last month. However, they were back to winning ways when they went past Watford with relative ease. Next, they travel to the Goodison Park to take on their derby rivals Everton. Given that Man City lead the Premier League table by two points (having played a game more), its very much a must-win game for the Reds.
Everton meanwhile have huffed and puffed and currently occupy the 9th spot on the table. However, they got their much-needed confidence boosting win last time around as they defeated Cardiff City 3-0. Liverpool though would go in as favourites for this clash and here are three things which Klopp needs to do to get one over Marco Silva.
Play Salah on the right flank
Klopp has been far more flexible this season and has often deployed Salah as the no. 9. However, that way the Egyptian winger isn’t able to get on the ball much and he is at his best when he is allowed to run at defenders with the ball at his feet. Against Watford, he might not have got himself on the scoresheet but looked far more dangerous playing down the right as the German manager surprised everyone by using Sadio Mane as the man up top.
We are expecting Roberto Firmino to be fit in time for this clash and therefore Klopp should continue using Salah down the right.
Silencing the crowd early
Now Everton doesn’t have much to play for this season and their only goal this season would be to see Liverpool bottling the Premier League title. They are very much going to take this encounter as a Cup final and Liverpool can expect a very boisterous crowd. Goodison is often known for its atmosphere as the stands are quite close to the pitch and it will be up to the Liverpool players to start off well otherwise they can have a tough time against their derby rivals.
Keeping Sigurdsson in check
Attacking wise Marco Silva desperately need a striker as the likes of Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert Lewin have been average. However, there is one man who can change the game in the final third for the Toffees, and he is Icelandic international Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Whether it comes to long-range shots, pass picking abilities and composure on the ball; the former Swansea City midfielder has everything in his repertoire and negating him would pretty much shut down Everton’s major attacking threats. The 29-year-old is coming on the back of a strong performance against Cardiff City where he managed a brace. He should be feeling confident going into this big game.
