Premier League: This Merseyside Derby is Important for Both Liverpool and Everton

Liverpool vs Everton

One of the biggest Premier League matches this weekend is the upcoming Merseyside Derby, as Liverpool host Everton anew at Anfield this Saturday.

Over the past few seasons, the gap between Liverpool and Everton has grown significantly, with the former consistently contending for trophies and the latter having to deal with a couple of relegation battles.

But when it comes to derbies, those don’t matter much because pride is on the line, and a win by either side would give them the much-needed points.

For Liverpool, a victory would solidify their title credentials, while the same result for Everton would put them above the relegation scrap, at least for now.

Another exciting tussle awaits, and SBOTOP is here for a preview of this fun contest.

Talking Points

Who is available to play for Liverpool?

Liverpool must keep up in the Premier League title race, but it’ll be easier said than done because they’re dealing with a raft of injuries.

Andy Robertson became the latest casualty for the Reds, as he injured his shoulder during the international break. The diagnosis is that the Scot might be sidelined until December at the earliest, which is a major blow to their backline.

Understudy Kostas Tsimikas will likely deputise for Robertson, while Jurgen Klopp could also slot in Joe Gomez from time to time in the vacated left-back position for cover.

Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo, Ben Doak, Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic, and Thiago could or will miss out due to injuries and suspensions, further giving Klopp selection headaches against the Toffees.

Team captain Virgil van Dijk would have to rally his troops, and he’ll remain the heartbeat of their defence, while Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez are going to lead the Reds up front.

While Salah’s goals are a given, we’re particularly looking at Nunez because he’s the team’s x-factor.

Liverpool are hoping that the 24-year-old maintains his fine form, as he was fresh from leading Uruguay to defeat Brazil in their recent CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match, scoring the first goal and assisting the second in a 2-0 result.

Calvert-Lewin gives Everton a shot in the arm

The Toffees managed to avoid their worst start to a season in 65 years when they defeated Brentford four weeks ago in a game that saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin score his first goal of the campaign.

Since then, Calvert-Lewin hasn’t looked back because he scored two more goals, including the game-winning goal in their 2-1 EFL Cup third round victory against Aston Villa and another one in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Luton Town.

For the past few years, Calvert-Lewin has failed to make a sizeable impact on the Toffees because he spent the majority of his time in the infirmary. Since the start of 2021-22, he has missed 55 matches, and the last time he had anything close to a full season, he scored 21 goals.

Everton certainly could do with a fully fit and firing Calvert-Lewin this season in order to avoid getting into yet another relegation scrap.

History

Liverpool have dominated Everton head-to-head here in the Premier League recently, as they have lost just one of their last 25 league meetings against them, with the lone defeat being a 2-0 result in favour of the Toffees at Anfield in February 2021.

In their most recent matchup in February, Liverpool defeated Everton 2-0 at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo found the back of the net.

After winning five of their first 11 league games against Liverpool, Everton have won just five of their last 51 against Liverpool in the English top-flight (D21, L25).

The Reds have also kept 26 Premier League clean sheets against the Toffees, which is more than they have against any other opponent.

Saturday marks the 243^rd edition of the Merseyside Derby (in all competitions). Overall, Liverpool have the edge with 98 wins, whereas Everton have 77 wins and 67 draws.

Betting Tip

No surprise that the Premier League 2023 odds are backing the hosts this weekend, as Liverpool are priced at 1.81, while Everton are the underdogs at 5.40, and a draw is at 2.61 in the 1X2 market.

Prior to the international break, both sides had contrasting Premier League 2023 results, with Liverpool dropping points in two of their last three, while Everton did the opposite in the same period. But while Everton have progressed under Sean Dyche this year, beating Liverpool at Anfield is a daunting task for any club, hence our recommended bet above.

 

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