Liverpool v Everton – Match Preview
It’s Merseyside Derby time! Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield for Monday night’s Premier League clash. This will be 242nd encounter between the two sides.
Overview
The wait for the derby game is finally over! The battle of Merseyside is a staple fixture of English football. This time, it will link two underperformers.
Liverpool will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League and rediscover their scoring touch as forwards go through barren spells in front of the goal. They’ve hit home just twice in five recent games across all competitions, conceding eight.
If you thought that January’s trip to the Amex stadium was terrible, which was hailed by Jürgen Klopp as “the worst game” he could remember, the dismal display against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out added a new low.
The Reds suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to Julen Lopetegui’s side. To make things worse, it was Joel Matip who gave the home side a lead with an own goal. Liverpool are currently in 10th and in all fairness can write this campaign off.
"The worst game I ever saw!" 😳
Jurgen Klopp is looking for his side to improve on Liverpool's last outing to Brighton… pic.twitter.com/GvxRrbZBU1
— 90min (@90min_Football) January 29, 2023
Our rivals are going through a difficult time as well both on and off the pitch. There is a growing frustration related to the running of the club. Last month Everton directors’ lives were threatened. They were told not to attend the game against Southampton for fears to their safety.
The Toffees have amassed 18 points from 21 appearances. They occupy the relegation spot and for now, are the worst-scoring team with 16 goals to their name.
Frank Lampard is no longer at the helm of the club. Sean Dyche was hired as his successor to tackle the relegation battle. The Englishman introduced matchday rules to the training ground when he banned wearing hats and snoods.
No snoods or hats allowed under Sean Dyche ❌😆 pic.twitter.com/ItMp58S27e
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 10, 2023
Dyche’s first game as the head of Everton ended a horrible run of four defeats courtesy of a well-deserved victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park last time out.
Head to Head
Liverpool have won three of the last five meetings between the teams at Anfield in Premier League. Drawing one and losing one. The stakes are high in the Merseyside derby, it’s not only about the win but also about kudos in the town.
Team News
Thiago Alcantara is the latest player to have picked up an injury. Jurgen Klopp confirmed the midfielder is struggling with a hip flexor problem and will miss the game. That’s a blow to the middle of the park following his issue. Jordan Henderson should be recalled to the starting lineup after falling out of Klopp’s favour. His last start came in the Emirates FA Cup exit against Brighton.
Ibrahima Konate (hamstring), Virgil van Dijk (hamstring), Arthur Melo (thigh), Roberto Firmino (calf), Luis Diaz (knee) all remain sidelined. Diogo Jota hasn’t performed since October last year, but could be named among Liverpool’s substitutes as he’s already been involved in training with the first team.
Everton will be without Nathan Patterson (knee) and Andros Towsend (ACL). However, they were handed an incentive with James Garner and Ben Godfrey back in full training, who could be named on the bench. Meanwhile, Dyche has revealed Calvert-Lewin’s withdrawn from their last encounter was precautionary and remains a minor doubt.
Summary
This will be another huge test for Liverpool given recent developments inside Everton. Sean Dyche made a huge comeback to English football and was assigned with a tall order – avoiding relegation. The mission he’s been called up for, will be extremely difficult to accomplish.
Liverpool’s confidence has been chipped away and game involvement questioned. Recent events at Klopp’s post-match press conference after Wolves game added fuel to the fire.
The derby against Everton presents the Reds with a great chance to make a breakthrough. But I expect a fierce battle at Anfield with the 12th-man playing the first fiddle, uplifting the players. Realistically, it’s going to be a hard-fought draw.
Follow Karolina on Instagram: @96karolinakurek