1st April 2016 Kickoff: 1230hrs Liverpool v Everton Football – England – Premier League The second Merseyside derby of the season takes place at Anfield in the early afternoon kickoff. Liverpool won the first meeting at Goodison Park just before Christmas thanks to an injury time goal from Saido Mane. Despite that win the gap between the two clubs is much closer now than it was going into the game which is an illustration of how much Everton have improved of late. As well as the usual local bragging rights and pride on offer there is the race for European spots and should Everton win, that would keep their faint hopes of making that European spot a Champions League one – so plenty to play for.
Liverpool have proved something of an enigma this season and we probably should not be surprised. Although the Reds finished very strongly last season, culminating in them reaching the final of the Europa League, it is still relatively early in the reign of Jurgen Klopp who will only complete his first full season in charge when the current campaign ends in May. Unlike Chelsea or both Manchester clubs, Liverpool are not able to (or not willing) to play the sums of money those clubs can, and the lack of Champions League football also meant certain players would not be attracted to Anfield last summer. That said, there are obvious reasons to be optimistic despite their Jekyll and Hyde nature. The main one is Liverpool’s record against the other top sides in the league – it’s excellent. Klopp has a way of getting is team to turn up in all of these encounters and if he can replicate that attitude for those matches against the lesser sides then it surely will not be long before they can sustain a serious title bid. In terms of the remainder of this current season then a top four spot is the main target, and with teams queuing up behind them, it makes Saturday game a must win.
There were plenty of frustrated and even some angry Everton fans as we reached the turn of the year. Ronald Koeman had been heralded as the man to get the club to the next level with the support of the new owners, following a pretty miserable spell under Roberto Martinez. Despite a positive start, both performances and results begun to tail off and it looked as though Everton were set for mid table mediocrity. Since the derby defeat at Goodison, however, the blues have been much improved and cemented their place in the top seven, with a view to going even higher. Eight wins from their last 12 league games and only one defeat is the sort of form you would expect and hope from a squad packed full of talent – not least Romelu Lukaku who has been in imperious form. The Belgian has 21 league goals to his name and scored nine of them in his last six games for the club. There has been the inevitable speculation as he stalls on signing a new contract and although every player has his price, his loss should not be underestimated to Koeman or Everton’s plans.
Liverpool have steadied the ship somewhat of late, with three wins and a draw in their last five league games. That run has included matches against Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City so it’s been a decent recovery from a run that seen them go winless in their five games previous. That virtually ended their hopes of winning the title but it also put Liverpool under pressure in the battle for fourth. Despite their return to winning ways, Klopp’s men have played the most games of any of the top six and should those teams below them win their games in hand they would overtake Liverpool. It’s an indication of how tight the battle for the top four is going to be for the remainder of the season and in Liverpool’s advantage is that they do not play any of the current top six again.
With nine games to go the current six point margin that separate Everton from Liverpool is certainly close enough for the blues to have realistic hopes of overturning but if they are to do so then you think they would have to win on Saturday. It’s been the Toffees away from that has let them down this season as they have struggled to pick up wins on the road. With only four victories on their travels from 14 attempts in the league, Everton have the worst record of all the top seven clubs and clearly identifies an area for improvement if they are to bridge the gap not only this season but also in the next campaign. All of their away wins have come against teams below them in the league and three of those have been teams who currently sit in the bottom half of the table. They have to step up on that if they are to take three points this weekend.
Liverpool v Everton Betting Tip
Merseyside derbies are rarely dull affairs although the game in December would probably not make too many greatest hits. Hopefully Saturday’s game is more open and we see two teams going for it from the off. If either team wishes to finish in the top four then a draw is simply not enough and they will have to go for the win.
Everton’s away record has to be a concern for their supporters hoping they can win at Anfield for the first time since 1999. They have managed nine draws since that in league and cup but it’s a record they will be desperate to end this Saturday. As mentioned, Liverpool’s record against the top teams is excellent and the whole atmosphere and build up to this one will ensure it is treated and approached like a big game my Klopp. Swansea are the only team in the league who have won at Anfield this term and I do not believe Everton have what it takes to become the second. Liverpool can stretch the gap between the two to nine with a crucial win.
Liverpool 8/11 @ Bet365
