Everton F.C. v Liverpool F.C. – Match Preview

Liverpool take the short trip across Stanley Park tomorrow afternoon to visit neighbours Everton. The rivalry between these two is no secret and this encounter will be no different than the 199 before. This is another must-win game for Liverpool if they wish to retain top spot.

Overview

This will be the 200th Merseyside derby and the fortunes between the two have remained somewhat stark in recent history. The Reds have been more or less consistently challenging for the Premiership. On the other side of the park, the Blues have merely been saving face these last few years.

"It just added a little bit of spice to it…"

Jan Molby reflects on the range of emotions felt around derby day. 👊👊 #EVELIV pic.twitter.com/G4A9rA85YM

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 2, 2019

Head to Head

The last five meetings between these two at Goodison Park have finished with four draws and one win for Liverpool in December 2016. In fact, Everton have failed to win in the last 18 derby matches. A late Divock header gave the visitors a hard-fought victory. Before that, we need to wind the clock back to October 2011 when Andy Carroll and Louis Suarez combined for the victory.

Origi make it winner, brilliant goal at anfield #EVELIVpic.twitter.com/L3ePMDmZfm

— Hanif (@hanifnovran) March 1, 2019

Team News

Liverpool will be hoping Roberto Firmino shakes off the ankle knock that prevented him from taking part in the 5-0 dismantling of Watford during the week. Personally speaking, I think Jürgen Klopp could well rest the Brazilian.

Whilst I’m not a fan of Divock Origi, he or Daniel Sturridge should be able to partner with Mané and Salah to secure a victory. In my opinion, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently the biggest miss for this Liverpool team. Rumour has it that Dejan Lovren could be an option. That said, not all options need to be taken. If you get what I mean?

Who’s the better keeper? Like for Pickford, re-tweet for Alisson #EveLiv #MerseysideDerby #Everton #Liverpool #EFC #LFC #YNWA #COYB #AcrossTheParkPodcast pic.twitter.com/cCvuOuNWhi

— Across The Park Podcast (@acrosstheparkpc) March 1, 2019

For Everton, long-serving Leighton Baines is the only absentee for what must surely be his final Merseyside derby. Midfielder Andre Gomez should return to the side after being rested for the win against Cardiff City.

Summary

I wish I could say this was a sure-fire three points for Liverpool. However, the Toffees are no walkover and with local pride, not to mention bragging rights, Form will surely fly out of the window. Presumably, along with any kind of composure.

Klopp hinted at the emotion which will be on show. Although he’s correct, I’d like to see the game finish with 22 players on the pitch. Well, at least the eleven that will start for Liverpool. Too often in the past, ill-discipline has ruined the game. Let’s hope we don’t see a repeat of that tomorrow.

In the game it’s very emotional and passionate, and I hope it’s like that again. That’s how football should be

I’m not a betting man but if I was… I’d say this is a draw all day long, Jeff (he says praying Liverpool don’t lose!).

Follow us on:

Twitter: @TheLFCFile

Facebook: @thelfcfile

And now on Instagram: thelfcfile