Liverpool v Everton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Everton . The Reds are on a run of one win in seven in all competitions whilst Everton just ended an eight-game winless run in the league. Jurgen Klopp’s side sits 12 points off the top four while Everton are two points off safety.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool are in alarming form right now. They won successive league matches at the turn of the year (added to two wins before the World Cup to make it four victories in a row) but were not convincing. They’ve since won once in seven matches across the league and FA Cup with three goals conceded on three different occasions.

A 3-1 loss at Brentford saw them exposed on set plays before a 3-0 defeat at Brighton in a game they were thoroughly outclassed. A 0-0 home draw with Chelsea followed but their opponents missed some very good chances in that match. They were then beaten 2-1 by a depleted Brighton in the FA Cup. Last time out, they lost 3-0 at Wolves in a match where they allowed six “big chances” in a defensive shambles.

Liverpool Team News

At the back, Liverpool are a mess. Virgil Van Dijk is out injured and Ibrahima Konate will also miss this match. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been struggling so Nat Phillips could be an option for a direct opponent like this. Roberto Firmino is not quite ready to return and Luis Diaz is out, but Diogo Jota could make the bench for this one after a long-term problem.

In midfield, Fabinho has been ill but he has been dropped for most of the recent matches anyway. Thiago Alcantara has a hip flexor problem and is doubtful for this one. The midfield trio could include teenager Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita, and Jordan Henderson or Harvey Elliott.

Liverpool Motivation

To keep their top-four hopes alive, albeit hanging by a string, Liverpool needs to beat Everton. They will be highly motivated for this derby but confidence is very low in all areas of the team.

Klopp would take any sort of win in this one and could be a lot more pragmatic than usual in his style of play.

Everton Form

Everton have been in poor form for months and fired Frank Lampard after a run of one win in 12 in the Premier League. His final seven matches at the helm saw six losses plus a surprise 1-1 draw away to champions, Man City. They only netted in four of those fixtures and had some dire results, not least a 3-0 defeat at struggling Bournemouth prior to the World Cup.

There were defeats at home to Wolves 2-1 and Brighton 4-1 and a fourth defeat at Goodison Park in a row followed soon after to 20^th placed Southampton. The axe fell on the coach after a 2-0 defeat at West Ham. Sean Dyche took over and promptly made the side more physical and solid with a 1-0 home win against high-flying Arsenal.

Everton Team News

A number of more minor injuries are bothering Sean Dyche to largely squad players. Michael Keane is almost ready to return but Andros Townsend, James Garner, and right-back Nathan Patterson are out. The big question mark is over target man Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is so key to the direct style of play. He has no more than a 50% chance of playing.

If Calvert-Lewin is out, then Neal Maupay is the favourite to lead the line. Ellis Simms, who has returned from a loan spell at Sunderland is also under consideration due to his height advantage over Maupay. The rest of the side is set to be unchanged from the Arsenal win as a 4-5-1 is used with an aggressive midfield trio.

Everton Motivation

There will be no surprises from Dyche. His side will go long from goal kicks and fight for second balls. The aggressive midfield trio will look to press their direct opponents and break into the box to attack crosses. Set plays will be a key feature.

A draw from this match would be a great result even though it wouldn’t take the Toffees out of the relegation zone.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost once in 30 home PL matches

Liverpool have lost 3 of their last 4 PL matches

LFC have conceded in 9 of their last 10 PL matches

Everton have drawn 2 of their last 4 away EPL fixtures

Everton have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 6 matches vs Liverpool (W1, D3)

Everton have 1 win in 27 matches vs Liverpool in all competitions

Verdict

This is a good time for Everton to play a shambolic Liverpool (by their very high standards). The Reds rarely lose at home and almost never get beaten by their Merseyside rivals though so this could end in a share of the spoils.