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Preview: Everton vs. Liverpool, the final derby at Goodison

Preview: Everton vs. Liverpool, the final derby at Goodison

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Everton will host Liverpool on Saturday in the final Premier League Merseyside Derby to be played at Goodison Park. It’s Arne Slot’s first taste of the rivalry, while Sean Dyche will be hoping to replicate the result of last season when the Toffees ran out 2-0 winners.

By Matt Smith

Dyche has a couple of knocks to contend with

Playing just a few days ago, where Everton secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves, Dyche’s players haven’t had much time to rest and cover. The Everton boss has admitted there were a ‘couple of knocks’ from the Wolves fixture, and Michael Keane is ‘touch and go’ to return for this one.
James Garner and Tim Ireogbunam are long-term absentees who both missed the midweek win, and they are unlikely to be fit enough to face their rivals on Saturday.

The Toffees finally found the goalscoring touch

Finding the back of the net has been the major difficulty for Everton this season. The Toffees have scored on average one goal per game, despite their 4-0 hammering of Wolves in the week. Dyche’s side have created just 24 big chances this term, the lowest in the Premier League. The game against Wolves was certainly an anomaly given their form.

The Toffees went back to basics against Wolves, scoring all four goals from set-pieces. It’s a method that’s worked wonders for Dyche in the past, and the performance was more of a vintage Everton display under the former Burnley boss. Liverpool will present a different test, with Slot’s side one of the most in-form sides in Europe.

Alisson is still not ready

Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker is still not available for the clash against Everton, meaning Caoimhín Kelleher is likely to keep his place in goal. The Liverpool goalkeeper was at fault for Newcastle’s last equaliser in the week, but he’s produced some impressive displays deputising in Alisson’s absence.

Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are closing in on their returns, with the former playing for the U21 side during the week.

Salah is still flying high

It’s been an almost perfect season for Liverpool, who are flying high in the Premier League and Champions League. Mohamed Salah’s contract situation rumbles on, but it’s safe to say he’s not letting it impact his performances on the pitch.

He’s the player Everton will have to attempt to keep quiet, producing a phenomenal 21 goals and assists combined already this campaign, more than any other player in the league. The supporters at Anfield have been demanding the club to give him what he wants when it comes to a contract, and Salah certainly has a strong argument considering he’s arguably looking sharper than ever.

Prediction

It’s difficult to look past a Liverpool win here, despite the added spice of it being the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. The Reds are in fantastic form while the Toffees continue to struggle. We’re going for a 3-1 victory for Slot’s side. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Preview: Everton vs. Liverpool, the final derby at Goodison

Everton will host Liverpool on Saturday in the final Premier League Merseyside Derby to be played at Goodison Park. It’s Arne Slot’s first taste of the rivalry, while Sean Dyche will be hoping to replicate the result of last season when the Toffees ran out 2-0 winners.

By Matt Smith

Dyche has a couple of knocks to contend with

Playing just a few days ago, where Everton secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves, Dyche’s players haven’t had much time to rest and cover. The Everton boss has admitted there were a ‘couple of knocks’ from the Wolves fixture, and Michael Keane is ‘touch and go’ to return for this one.
James Garner and Tim Ireogbunam are long-term absentees who both missed the midweek win, and they are unlikely to be fit enough to face their rivals on Saturday.

The Toffees finally found the goalscoring touch

Finding the back of the net has been the major difficulty for Everton this season. The Toffees have scored on average one goal per game, despite their 4-0 hammering of Wolves in the week. Dyche’s side have created just 24 big chances this term, the lowest in the Premier League. The game against Wolves was certainly an anomaly given their form.

The Toffees went back to basics against Wolves, scoring all four goals from set-pieces. It’s a method that’s worked wonders for Dyche in the past, and the performance was more of a vintage Everton display under the former Burnley boss. Liverpool will present a different test, with Slot’s side one of the most in-form sides in Europe.

Alisson is still not ready

Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker is still not available for the clash against Everton, meaning Caoimhín Kelleher is likely to keep his place in goal. The Liverpool goalkeeper was at fault for Newcastle’s last equaliser in the week, but he’s produced some impressive displays deputising in Alisson’s absence.

Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are closing in on their returns, with the former playing for the U21 side during the week.

Salah is still flying high

It’s been an almost perfect season for Liverpool, who are flying high in the Premier League and Champions League. Mohamed Salah’s contract situation rumbles on, but it’s safe to say he’s not letting it impact his performances on the pitch.

He’s the player Everton will have to attempt to keep quiet, producing a phenomenal 21 goals and assists combined already this campaign, more than any other player in the league. The supporters at Anfield have been demanding the club to give him what he wants when it comes to a contract, and Salah certainly has a strong argument considering he’s arguably looking sharper than ever.

Prediction

It’s difficult to look past a Liverpool win here, despite the added spice of it being the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. The Reds are in fantastic form while the Toffees continue to struggle. We’re going for a 3-1 victory for Slot’s side. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.