EVERTON V LIVERPOOL - GOODISON PARK - 12:30PM K.O.
Without a doubt, this fixture will be the most anticipated amongst football fans for this coming weekend. Goodison Park hosts the 288th Merseyside Derby, which looks to be a classic on paper.
Everton go into the fixture in fine form after a superb start to the season, winning four out of four games. Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti has brought in some key signings over the summer which have bolstered his all round team. James Rodriguez has hit the ground running for his new club with 3 goals and 2 assists in his first four appearances. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was named Premier League player of the month for September, has been in fine goal scoring form for his side with 6 goals since the start of the season. Everton will certainly see this game as an opportunity to progress their ambition to challenge for the top of the league come the end of the season.
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back after their surprise 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa two weeks ago. The reds sit on 9 points on the table after 4 games, 3 points behind their hosts. Manager Jurgen Klopp can call upon Sadio Mane and new signing Thiago Alcantara once again after the pair were ruled out for the previous game after testing positive for Covid-19. Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool's top goal scorer and the Egyptian will be an obvious threat for the opposition. The champions will know that this Everton side will be the strongest they have faced in a number of years. This derby comes ten years to the day since Everton last won over Liverpool in any competition, a 2-0 win at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
TEAM NEWS
Everton have a few injury doubts going into Saturday's fixture. Left-back Lucas Digne is a worry after he came off injured for France during the international break. Another full back, Seamus Coleman, could also be a doubt after he missed the international break for the Republic of Ireland. Players returning from injury include midfielder Andre Gomes and new signing Allan.
Liverpool welcome back Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara ahead of the Merseyside Derby which will be a big boost to Klopp's side. Alisson Becker remains the main injury setback for the reds after suffering a shoulder injury at training before the Villa game. The Brazilian shot stopper looks set to be out for up to 6 weeks.
PREDICTION
It should be a close game with both teams looking to win it. The last few fixtures in Goodison Park suggests that a draw will be the most likely outcome. A piece of magic by an individual player could be the difference come the end of the match.
My Prediction: DRAW
Comments