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Merseyside madness loading

By Ratul Ghosh

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Jurgen Klopp, Sadio Mane, Richarlison, Frank Lampard

Liverpool vs Everton

One of the most lopsided buildups to a Merseyside Derby in history. Liverpool are bidding for the quadruple and level on points with Manchester City. Everton are battling to stave off relegation.

The Reds had one of their easier games of the season at home to Manchester United. A 4-0 win without breaking a sweat. All of their most dangerous qualities were on show. Sadio Mane acts as the playmaker through the middle. The fullbacks bombing forward. Thiago showing off his skills and tricks.

Mo Salah breaking his goal drought. Therefore, it is no surprise that Jurgen Klopp’s side start as favourites against Everton. They are the top scorers in the league (83) with the second-best defence (22). Moreover, Liverpool are undefeated in their last 11 league matches. Another three points on the cards? It is pretty much expected at this point.

Luis Diaz lighting it up🔥

Frank-ly running out of time!

It has not been a great season in any way for Everton. The Toffees are hovering above the drop zone, four points above 18th-place Burnley. Frank Lampard has not steadied the ship as much as putting a few Band-Aids on.

The squad looked demoralized, easy to beat, and unsure of how to function over a full match.

The midfield has lost its hold. Michael Keane and Mason Holgate look jittery every time an opponent attacks. None of these are goods signs when facing Liverpool. Lampard will have to pull a rabbit out of that hat if Everton are to avoid defeat. The draw against Leicester City should give them some comfort but their arch-rivals are a different proposition altogether.

Team news

Roberto Firmino is suffering from a small injury and could only be fit for the bench. The front three could be rotated, keeping in mind the upcoming Champions League tie.

PROBABLE LINE-UP: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson; Jota, Mane, Salah

Calvert-Lewin is injured once again. Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson are out for the season. Tom Davies’ evaluation will be done as game day approaches.

PROBABLE LINE-UP: Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Mina, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Delph, Allan; Gray, Richarlison, Gordon

Gamechangers

It’s tough to choose only one impactful player for Liverpool. In recent form, it has to be Sadio Mane. The Senegalese’s position was thought to be in danger when Diaz was signed. However, Mane has shown why he continues to be one of the deadliest goal poachers of this generation.

His playmaking skills against Manchester United took everyone by surprise. Moreover, the pass for Liverpool’s second goal was a thing of beauty. With 14 goals in the league, there’s no chance why Mane can’t add more. Everton are a nervy opposition and Seamus Coleman is not the fastest fullback. Therefore, he can be targeted as Liverpool will look to stretch Everton on the counter and in the buildup. 

It is hard to pick any one player who is having a strong season for Everton. However, the goal scoring burden has fallen mainly on Richarlison. With Calvert-Lewin injured or ineffective, the Brazilian has had to step up. Three goals in his last four games have taken his tally for the season to seven, alongside four assists. Moreover, Richarlison also serves as the outlet when Everton are under the pump.

Therefore, it is him that Lampard will look to for moments of inspiration. Richarlison has a great shot and eye for goal which can be used in tremendously. Similarly, his hold-up play will be needed because both of Liverpool’s centre-backs are very sturdy. If he can get decent supply alongside keeping his shots on target, Everton can put their opponents under pressure.

Predictions

It will surely go only one way, right? Liverpool hammered these same opponents 4-1 back in December and there is little to suggest they will not win comfortably again. Therefore, FootTheBall predicts a 3-0 win for Liverpool.

Ratul Ghosh
His name means Red and a fan of devilish food, which equals to his favourite team being Manchester United. Can be found sleeping or in front of the TV otherwise. Hates waking up early but loves staying up late for football.

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