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By Matt Smith
If the Toffees win, they go within just two points of their rivals and are in contention for a spot in the Champions League.
In this fixture last season, at Goodison Park, Everton secured a 98th-minute draw as James Tarkowski volleyed home an equaliser.
Team news
It was a positive press conference from David Moyes this week as he discussed team news ahead of the game. The Everton boss should have a fully fit squad, barring Jack Grealish, with Carlos Alcaraz now ready to be involved.
Liverpool suffered a crucial blow this week as it was confirmed that Hugo Ekitike would miss the remainder of the season due to injury. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, and Alisson Becker remain out, while Arne Slot also confirmed that Joe Gomez would be unavailable.
Everton’s high press could hurt Liverpool
Moyes has to decide whether he wants his side to sit back and absorb pressure, or press high up the pitch to try to win the ball back. Liverpool struggled at times against PSG during the week when the French outfit applied pressure when the Reds tried to build out, and that could be key for Everton this weekend.
Only four sides in the Premier League have won possession in the final third more than Everton this season. Slot might be expecting the Toffees to sit deeper, but there’s every chance Everton look to take the game to them in front of their home crowd.
Who’s going to pounce in the box?
It’s been a difficult season for Liverpool, struggling to replicate the heights of their previous campaign. Plenty has gone wrong, but there’s no doubt they are getting the ball into the right areas.
No side has more touches inside the opposition box, but without Ekitike and Alexander Isak not being fully fit, who is going to be pouncing in the area? Liverpool fans will be hoping Isak is ready to start firing, but Slot has already confirmed he’s not ready to play 90 minutes.
Rio vs O’Brien
The most interesting match-up could be Rio Ngumoha against Jake O’Brien. Rio has started two of Liverpool last three Premier League games, scoring against Fulham last time out, and there’s every chance Slot hands him another start.
His pace and trickery could be key for Liverpool, and he’s up against O’Brien, who couldn’t be more of an opposite physical profile, standing at almost two metres tall. O’Brien is no slouch when it comes to a foot race, either, so it could be an interesting battle.
Prediction
The Merseyside derby is always a cagey affair, and we’re expecting no different this weekend. Everton are unbeaten in the last three meetings on their own turf, so we’re going for a 1-1 draw.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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