LIVERPOOL VS EVERTON: PREVIEW

Liverpool host the 240th Merseyside derby on Sunday when relegation threatened Everton make the short trip to Anfield. The two clubs are battling at the opposite ends of the table and are both in need of the points. Here’s a preview of the game.

It’s been a grim season for the Toffees. From Carlo Ancelotti leaving abruptly in the summer, to the month long search for a replacement, to the hugely controversial appointment of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Rafa was doomed to fail from the start. With financial constraints tying his hands in the transfer window, and more than half the fanbase against his tenure from day one, it was no surprise when he was handed his P45 in January.

Rafa left the club in 15th position, just six points above the relegation places after only five league victories all season. Frank Lampard was handed the reins at the beginning of February and hasn’t fared any better.

The former Chelsea boss has overseen just 3 victories in his 11 league matches in charge. There’s been a whopping 7 defeats in that time to leave the Blues 17th and just a point above Burnley in 18th. They come into this fixture after nicking a point late on against Leicester.

Jürgen Klopp’s men meanwhile, are in a rude health of form having seen off the two Manchester clubs in the past week. A 3-2 win over City at Wembley was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of United at Anfield on Tuesday.

It is likely the Reds will be 4 points behind Manchester City by kickoff, with the Citizens hosting Watford on Saturday. It is also possible that Everton would be in the bottom three by kickoff, with Burnley hosting Wolves in the early game on Sunday.

That could make things even spicier than usual. Jürgen Klopp has made it clear he’s not a fan of the overly physical tackles in recent Merseyside derbies. That infamous Pickford tackle on Van Dijk overshadowed an even worse tackle by Richarlison on Thiago.

With the Reds facing Villareal days after the derby, they’ll be keen to avoid any injuries. In the reverse fixture, Liverpool ran out 4-1 victors at Goodison Park after a thoroughly classy display.

They will be looking to complete a league double over their neighbours for the first time in five years. Not since the 2016/17 season has Jürgen Klopp masterminded a league double over the Toffees.

The Blues managed to beat Liverpool last time out at Anfield, in what is their only victory at Anfield since 1999. That is Everton’s sole victory over the Reds home or away in Jürgen Klopp’s tenure. In fact it is their only victory in the last 25 Merseyside derbies.

Liverpool have won 8 of their 14 derbies in all competitions under the German, drawing 5 times. At Anfield, it’s six wins and a draw out of eight matches. Everton have lost each of their last six away league games, underlining the uphill task they gave this Sunday. 

Team News

For Liverpool, Roberto Firmino is still feeling the effects of a foot injury he picked up at Wembley last week. He was due to return to the grass today but his involvement on Sunday depends on how the pain subsides between now and then.

For Lampard’s side, midfielders Donny van de Beek and Andre Gomes are sidelined with minor issues, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains out with a quad injury. They will also be without long-term absentees Tom Davies, Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson.

Key Players

Sadio Mané

Sadio is in sublime form at the minute, scoring five goals in his last five appearances. He’s thriving in a new central role and seems to be reinvigorated. He’s netted 4 Merseyside derby goals in 11 appearances (including a memorable late winner at Goodison in 2016).

Richarlison

The 24 year old scored the late equaliser against Leicester on Wednesday. He’s in great form having scored six goals and provided an assist in his last six outings for club and country. He scored in this fixture last season and will carry the threat for the Blues.

Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian finally ended his dry spell infront of goal with a brace against United on Tuesday night. He will now be keen to go on a scoring spree to end the season as he begun it, in a bid to power the side to glory. He’s also netted 4 goals in his six Merseyside derby appearances.