Wednesday 20th April 2016 Kickoff 2000hrs
Liverpool v Everton
Football – Premier League – England
The second Merseyside derby of the season takes place at Anfield on Wednesday evening as in-form Liverpool host an Everton team languishing in 11th. Ten points separate the two neighbours but as ever in derby games, form and recent records tend to be forgotten about as the Blue half of the city look to bring to end a run of 17 years without a win at the home of their closest rivals.
There’s only really one place to begin when previewing a Liverpool game and that is, of course, the amazing Europa League win against Borussia Dortmund last midweek. Despite conceding two goals in the opening stages of the first half, and then going down 3-1 early in the second half, the Reds produced a stunning comeback to win 4-3 on the evening and progress 5-4 on aggregate. It may not go down in history as significant as their famous recovery in Istanbul when winning the 2005 Champions League, but it was special nonetheless. Liverpool supporters should be excited about what lies ahead under Klopp as in only a short space of time the former Dortmund manager has had a huge impact. It’s not all been plain-sailing, obviously, and he will know himself that a lot of improvement is required before they can challenge the best England and Europe has to offer on a regular occasion, but the whole atmosphere surrounding the club has changed for the better. This will be Klopp’s first experience of the derby with Brendan Rodgers having been in charge for the final time the last time the two met back at the beginning of October. You get the feeling that the charismatic German will relish what is likely to be another electric atmosphere under the lights.
A their near neighbours begin to get excited about what lies ahead for their immediate and long-term future, it’s very much the opposite across Stanley Park at this moment. The Everton faithful are becoming increasingly frustrated about the lack of wins and excitement that their current team are producing. Now in his third season in charge, Roberto Martinez is the man who most (if not all) the criticism has been levelled at and it remains to be seen if the Spaniard will be in position come the start of the new season. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton means it is now only one win in their last seven league games and no win at home in the league since the beginning of February. The only saving grace this season has been their performance in both domestic cup competitions. Having been knocked out my Manchester City over two legs in the League Cup at the start of this season, the Toffees have made it to the same stage of the FA Cup where they will face the other Manchester club, United, on Saturday. As promising as their form has been in knockout competitions, it is unlikely to be enough to satisfy their supporters – that is unless they are able to go all the way and provide the club with the first bit of silverware since 1995.
With a crunch semi-final against Villareal in the Europa League on the horizon, Klopp will want to rotate his squad as much as possible as he bids to add that competition to what is already an impressive resume from his time in Germany. The winners will also qualify for next season’s Champions League as well, of course, which will be the biggest carrot for Klopp and his players. In terms of their league form, Liverpool have won their last two with victories over Stoke and Bournemouth. Bar a second-half collapse of their own against Southampton a month ago, there has been a substantial improvement in their overall form, domestically, which will be just as pleasing for the manager as their exploits in Europe with a view to building for a more productive campaign next term.
Everton will obviously have an eye on Saturday’s game against United as it will ultimately make or break their season, however Martinez can ill-afford to suffer a heavy defeat on Wednesday. Not only would it be the worst preparation possible ahead of the semi-final and it would only add to the frustration and anger that is currently building amongst the support. That was obviously in the manager’s thinking on Saturday as he named Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley as substitutes with both likely to be recalled to the starting line-up. That pair are pivotal to Everton’s success, both in this game and in the FA Cup, and there is a feeling that they could be doing a lot more in order to improve the team’s fortunes.
Liverpool v Everton Betting Tips
These games or often fiercely competitive but as both clubs have got more pressing priorities on the horizon, Wednesday’s game may have a slightly more subdued feel about it as neither manager will want to add to what are already significant injury lists. That being said, the two sets of supporters will create an environment which will encourage both teams to go for it. A win for Liverpool would be a continuation of what has been an impressive run of performances and results whilst an away win may just reduce some of the pressure on Martinez, particularly as victories at Anfield have been so rare in the last couple of decades.
In terms of a betting perspective, it is no surprise to see Liverpool the overwhelming favourites considering the current situation both clubs find themselves in. At their current odds they are a bit short to advise a bet, especially as the in-form Divock Origi will not be available for the home team. It should also be noted that six of the last seven meetings between the two have ended in draws, with four of them being score draws. It’s the latter part of that trend that I am interested in as there is bound to be chances at both ends. Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine games and the way in which they are playing at the moment will provide space for Everton’s counter-attacking style. I have to urge slight caution as the Blues have tightened up of late on their travels compared to earlier in the season but as I alluded to above – form is not always the best predictor in these games and I’m confidence of both teams finding the back of the net.
Both teams to score 3/4 @ Bet365
