After a depressing night in Paris, the Reds have to bounce back in the Premier League, and what better time to do so than in the Merseyside Derby?
Everton come into the game in great form and it’s commonly speculated that this’ll be the best and most competitive Merseyside Derby in years, especially considering the fact that Marco Silva has got his side playing attacking football.
Let’s hope the Reds can give the Blues another miserable Christmas by beating them in what is still one of the most important games of the season.
Liverpool Team News and Predicted Lineup
Jordan Henderson misses the game through suspension, although many fans will view that as a blessing in disguise as Fabinho will likely be given the chance to make his mark. Adam Lallana is still unfit, while long-terms injuries to players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain the same.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will almost certainly return to the team, which means that Joe Gomez will rightfully shift to centre-back.
The rest of the team will be unchanged, save for the fact that Klopp will most likely switch back to the 4-2-3-1 that had been working so well recently. This’ll mean that Xherdan Shaqiri will come back into the team.
Everton Team News and Predicted Lineup
Everton on the other hand have a mostly full-strength squad to pick from, and the only problems they face are which players to omit.
Everton’s back five have been as solid as a Blues defence has been in decades, and the same could arguably be said for their midfield. Although it’s questionable as to whether Silva will persevere with Bernard and Theo Walcott as the former is more of a central player, and the latter should arguably be dropped for Ademola Lookman on form.
Cenk Tosun may be one player who’d be unfortunate to miss out on the Derby, along with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Mason Holgate.
Pre-Game Analysis
For once, Everton will certainly look to take the game to Liverpool from the first minute until the last, a draw would be enough, but the Blues will be looking to score and win, not just hang on for dear life.
That’s not to say that they wouldn’t sit back if they were to take the lead, so if the worst happened, it could be very difficult for Liverpool to find space and come back.
The flip side of that is that Everton will be far more open than in previous years in this fixture, so they may be susceptible to being hit on the counter if they try and go toe to toe with Liverpool.
Prediction
Both sides want the win badly, not just for bragging rights, but to kick off this hectic schedule with a win.
The momentum gained or lost from the fixture could have a significant impact on the direction of both clubs’ seasons, and the overall Premier League landscape, in particular, the title race.
Everton will play admirably, and it’ll be a thrilling game of back and forth, but Liverpool will take the day with a 2-0 victory.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Cieren O’Dea
Red Or Dead Liverpool FC Football Blog – 02/11/2018
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