Liverpool will host Everton in the Premier League after a two-week international break. Despite just grabbing one point from the last six available, Jurgen Klopp’s fourth-placed team is now 12 places and 11 points ahead of the Toffees in the emerging table.
Preview (Liverpool vs. Everton)
The aftermath of Liverpool’s agonizing and unfair defeat to Tottenham Hotspur overshadowed their preparations for a trip to the Amex Stadium two weekends ago, but an easy victory against Union SG in the Europa League gave the Kop a much-needed boost. Mohamed Salah performed admirably from inside the penalty area to swing the game in the visitors’ favor.
However, the Reds’ set-piece shortcomings ultimately proved to be costly as Lewis Dunk deflected Solly March’s free-kick to deny Liverpool an instant chance to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, sending them to fourth place in the standings. However, Klopp’s team has a better goal differential than both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. If they win the Merseyside bragging rights on Saturday lunchtime, they will take first place. The Reds return to base having scored in each of their past 21 competitive games.
The walls of the Anfield fortress are still standing strong. Klopp’s team has won five of their five home games this season, scoring two goals or more each time. They have not lost at home in the Premier League this year. Just seven days after the Goodison Park supporters experienced a humiliating 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Luton Town, the Toffees triumphed 3-0 over their fellow basement contenders behind goals from James Garner, Jack Harrison, and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The international break came at a very bad time for Everton. They are currently hovering just above the dotted line in 16th place. Everton have three wins from their last four games in all competitions. They also destroyed top-half contenders Aston Villa and Brentford.
Team News
Liverpool fans have been eagerly awaiting the latest news on Andy Robertson, who is believed to have suffered a dislocated shoulder in Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying loss to Spain last week—even though an official diagnosis has not yet been made public. But Stefan Bajcetic’s calf injury might heal in time for the Spaniard to be added to the bench, and Thiago Alcantara (hip) and Curtis Jones (suspended) will remain out of Klopp’s crippled midfield. It is anticipated that Kostas Tsimikas will step in, if not for the derby. In the next few hours, once-overs will be necessary for the attacking duo of Ben Doak (unspecified) and Cody Gakpo (knee), while Diogo Jota returned from a one-game suspension. Additionally out is Caoimhin Kelleher, the second-choice stopper (knee).
During the international break, there hasn’t been much activity in the Everton infirmary. With a brilliant performance, the former Manchester United player handed Dyche the best type of selection dilemma. During the international break, Dyche might not see the need to change his winning starting lineup, which also saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin overtake Beto at number nine. Gueye was eligible to represent Senegal during this time. Everton may end their three-game scoreless drought against their longstanding rivals, who are still beset by injuries and late returnees from international duty, by using their newfound taste for goals on opponent territory.
Liverpool 3 – 1 Everton
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