There aren’t many games in English football that incite quite as much emotion as the Merseyside derby. It’s a testament to the historic rivalry that despite the current Liverpool side being ahead of Everton by some distance, a win in this game is celebrated with great vigour by them.
That will be the case again when Sean Dyche brings his Everton team to Anfield for the Battle of Merseyside supremacy on October 21, 12:30 PM.
Here’s the match preview, buildup, team news, and more as Everton seek to become a thorn in Liverpool’s skin in a feisty Merseyside derby!
Liverpool vs Everton preview
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are finding form again after a dour last season which left them in the Europa League. They have lost just one of their eight league games so far but there’s hope for Everton.
The form book often goes out of the window in a derby but even if it didn’t, Everton would be quite happy.
That is because Liverpool’s last two games have been a draw and a loss, while Dyche’s men have woken up from a horror start to the season to win two of their last three (their only two wins of the season).
Sean Dyche will make sure to turn this game into a scrap and avoid Liverpool running riot through their attacking display.
Klopp’s men will find it hard to break down a stubborn Toffees‘ defence and Dyche will hope that his forwards are clinical on the counter-attack.
Everton have not faired well in the recent Merseyside derbies, with three losses and a draw in the last four meetings between the two rivals. Dyche will hope to create an upset and break the streak.
Liverpool vs Everton predicted lineups
Liverpool team news
The international break came at a good time for Klopp as he will get a few players back from injury, along with giving the team a break when their momentum was stuttering.
Among the returnees, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo are the big names that will add stardust to the attack. Jota will return from his suspension after getting two yellow cards previously.
Gakpo, on the other hand, is expected to be in the squad for this game after a knee injury ruled him out of fixtures before the break.
Stefan Bajcetic’s status is also one to keep an eye on as he is on the path to returning to the first team after a serious injury.
Thiago remains absent while Andy Robertson is touch-and-go for this game with a shoulder injury.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Elliott, Szoboszlai, Jota, Nunez, Salah
Everton team news
For Everton, the picture is much clearer and could become crystal clear if the players are on time with their recoveries. There are only three injured players, all of whom might make their return in this game.
Andre Gomes is the most likely returnee after recovering from a calf injury. Everton legend Seamus Coleman is another who might make the squad after shaking off a knee injury. Dele Alli is a long-term absentee but updates have been encouraging and fans could soon see him gracing a PL game after a long time.
Predicted Everton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin
Liverpool vs Everton prediction
This might be a tricky fixture for Liverpool but the only reason it would be the case is because Everton might be up for the derby.
It Liverpool can match that intensity, then Everton are no match for this side. Add to that the Anfield atmosphere egging the players on to put a stamp of authority on their rivals, and it becomes difficult to see where Everton’s points come from in this game.
If Dyche manages to draw, it would be two points lost for Liverpool. If he manages to win, it might end up being the biggest upset of this matchday.
FootTheBall predicts Liverpool 3-1 Everton.