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Match Preview: Merseyside Derby, Liverpool All The Way!

By Paul Drake

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) /
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The Merseyside derby is no joking matter this year. Liverpool have been a roller-coaster and Everton are in top form coming into Saturday’s match.

Imagine a time without iPhones or when the Matrix was the hottest new movie. Well then you would be in the 1998-99 Premier League season, and that was the last time Everton beat the Reds at Anfield. Led by Kevin Campbell, Everton left Anfield with a 1-0 victory over the Reds. Since then, Everton have failed to secure a victory at Anfield.

But this is the 2016-2017 Premier League season and things are different this season. Liverpool and Everton will battle hard for every goal on Saturday. This is not just any derby, it is the Merseyside derby, which holds a special place in every fan’s heart.

This Is A Different Year

Plain and simple, this year is very different. This season the Toffees have Romelu Lukaku, who currently leads the club with 21 goals, creating 37 chances, and shooting at a 66% accuracy. Plus, since the new year Everton are 6-2-1 in the league.

After, Liverpool’s rocky start to the new year Klopp’s side have settled down. The Reds are playing more like they should considering the amount of talent they have on their squad. In addition, Klopp and his boys play excellently against top-flight clubs. The Reds are unbeaten in 14 matches against teams currently in the top 10 of the Premier League.

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The question is can Everton overcome Liverpool’s attack and upset the Reds at home? According to the Liverpool Echo, Jürgen Klopp said, “there are no excuses not to deliver,” he urged his players to embrace the significance of the derby! I believe the Reds WILL deliver a victory on Saturday!

Injuries

Jürgen Klopp was dealt some blows to his squad this week, losing Adam Lallana for a month with a thigh injury. Daniel Sturridge returned to training but is not available for the derby, and both Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are coming off two intense matches with Brazil; their legs are likely to not be fully recovered.

The Toffees have lost Seamus Coleman and Ramiro Funes Mori to leg injuries, essentially ending their seasons. Also, Morgan Schneiderlin and James McCarthy are unavailable for the derby.

Match Predictions

Liverpool Starting XI
Mignolet
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner,
Can, Lucas, Wljnaldum,
Mane, Firmino, Coutinho

Everton Starting XI
Robles
Holgate, Jagielka, Williams, Baines
Gueye, Barry
Barkley, Davies Mirallas
Lukaku

Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton

Liverpool are the favorites to win this match but Lukaku will make it difficult for the Reds defense. The Toffees have a significant weakness without Morgan Schneiderlin and James McCarthy. This will be a passionate match for both sides, but Liverpool should be victorious!

Ways To Watch

Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 12:30pm GMT, 7:30am ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Info: Sky Sport 1 (UK), NBC Sports Network (US)
Streaming Info: Sky Go, NBC Live App

All statistics provided by Squawka.com

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