Liverpool will be looking to avenge the last Merseyside derby when they take on Everton. Arne Slot’s men were leading the final-ever encounter between the rivals at Goodison Park in February when Toffees captain James Tarkowski popped up with a 98th-minute equaliser. The Reds will meet Everton at Anfield in the Premier League in April and its no doubt going to be one of the clashes of the season.
Liverpool are aiming to win a first title in five years and only their second since 1990 which will see the club tie with Manchester United on twenty each. Defeating their Mersey rivals will allow the team to take one step closer.
This article will assess the betting odds around the game while also providing a tactical preview as to how the two sides will match-up.
Who are the Favourites?
Liverpool will be resounding favorites heading into the Merseyside derby. With home advantage and a record which has seen the team lose just once in the Premier League this season, the Reds will be well backed to beat Everton.
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The Toffees are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run under returning manager David Moyes and will be fresh heading into the game with a two-and-a-half week break from matchday action. However, they will still be huge underdogs, particularly when you factor in the fact Everton have won just once at Anfield this century. This will be no doubt be reflected in the odds as the game approaches.
Style of Play
When Arne Slot arrived on Merseyside, Liverpool supporters were apprehensive as the Dutchman was coming in to replace the legendary figure of Jurgen Klopp. However, the Reds coach has made a few tweaks to the system which helped the team kick on where they left off.
While Liverpool were aggressive in their press under Klopp, the play is more controlled and considered under Slot and the side is more happy in possession. The Reds wait to strike at the right moment. No team has scored more, with Liverpool netting 66 goals in 28 matches which is a rate of more than two strikes per game.
Everton will be difficult to break down and fight for every second ball but with top scorer Mohamed Salah in top form, an early goal through his ruthless finishing would force the Toffees to open up more. The Blues have improved in front of goal under Moyes and will carve out a few opportunities. The first goal will be vital to both sides and the Reds will likely be the side to get it.
Who could Score?
Mohamed Salah had scored 25 goals in the Premier League by the end of February and is leading the way in the goalscoring charts ahead of Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
While the Egyptian is the main man, the Reds have a steady stream of goals from elsewhere on the pitch. Luis Diaz has scored nine and Cody Gakpo has netted eight goals while Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota have five each.
For Everton, Beto is enjoying good form in front of goal and scored five times in five Premier League matches during the month of February. Finding the net proved difficult for the Toffees during the first part of the season though under Moyes, Everton have scored half of their goals for the campaign since the middle of January. Iliman Ndiaye has six goals this season and is tied at the top with Beto but is currently sidelined through injury.
Liverpool will be have to wary of Everton centre-back partnership Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite who can pose a threat from set-pieces.
The Run-in
After facing Everton, the games come thick and fast for Liverpool in April and May. The Reds travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham before hosting West Ham. Then comes a trip to Leicester and another home game when Tottenham come to Merseyside.
Liverpool will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in early May and then comes a potentially huge game at home against Arsenal. In early March, the Gunners are still in the title race though it remains to be seen if they will keep the pace with the Reds up until the time when the two sides meet in the league. Liverpool will play the final away game of the season at Brighton and then welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on the last day of the campaign. This could prove to be a momentous day with the Reds lifting the Premier league title if they are capable of staying top of the table.
Wrapping Up
Liverpool will be confident of adding another win to their tally and getting bragging rights for fans in the city when Everton come to Anfield in April. A Wednesday night game, the timing will add to the atmosphere as the Reds play under the lights. The Toffees will look to frustrate and try to counter Liverpool or strike from a corner or free-kick but the Reds should have too much quality going forward.
