It’s the Merseyside Derby – the Reds of Liverpool take on their blue neighbours from Everton in an exciting fixture of the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
This is a huge contest in terms of both of their campaigns. Where Klopp’s men know they cannot afford a slip-up at this point, if they are to take the fight for the Premier League title this season, against Manchester City, to the end. Meanwhile Everton, too, just cannot afford to lose any games from hereon in. As Lampard’s side is already threatened to get relegated, following a series of woeful performances.
Although Liverpool have had quite an edge over their Sunday rivals. Yet, in matches like these where bragging rights are on the line, you cannot lay back and let the overconfidence take over you. And Klopp certainly will urge his players not to take Everton lightly, despite their poor run of form.
WHEN & WHERE?
Venue – Anfield.
Day & Date – Sunday, 24th April 2022.
Time- 3:30 PM GMT.
LIVERPOOL’S NEW ATTACKING DEMEANOUR
The Reds are a big-time now, and clashes like these are what they are thriving for. A sign of a World Class manager is pulling his team out of the rut. And Jurgen Klopp has just shown it, yet again!
As Liverpool swept aside a lost United side, by 4 goals to nil. With Salah, Mane and Diaz, all scoring and providing assists in the game.
While there have been no noticeable injuries to the side in the last games. The addition of the Columbian, Luis Diaz, has certainly added to the firepower of the Reds. Diaz has not failed to impress in his debut season in the Premier League. It just does not seem like Diaz was bought by the club in the winter transfer window, as The Columbian has fit in the system very well.
Jurgen Klopp has been successfully pairing Luiz Diaz upfront with Mane and Salah, to fruition. Playing him as the bridge between the two African players. A role that Bobby Firmino has been seen playing, for the most part of his career here at Liverpool.
There has been a rhythm to Liverpool’s gameplay in the last 1 to 2 months. Liverpool have hardly put a foot wrong. Not so long ago we were sitting here, criticising them for not being able to play from the middle. Too much “Dependency on the flanks”. But all of that now just seems to be a reminisce. And their recent run of formidable performances have been a spectacle to it.
Who would have thought, back in January, that Klopp’s side could challenge Manchester City for the title this season? Man City were clear, then!
But, Pep’s side has left it wide open for the Reds to take this season’s title charge to the end. If Klopp’s men work out a victory at Anfield on Sunday – arguably against an inferior opponent – then they will go above the Cityzens, if Pep’s men fail to muster a win out on Saturday against Watford.
Everton looks a lot shaky going forward, as a result leaving too much space in the defence for the opponents to pounce upon
Frank Lampard’s appointment at the Goodison Park has taken a slow and shaky start. But the main aspect, or the talking point, is the fact that Everton’s inability to shrug off defeats has led to the opponents taking full advantage of it. In the last 9 league games, they have just managed to pull out 2 wins and a draw, compared to a whopping 6 defeats.
Against the opponents like Liverpool, Frank Lampard would go all-out in defence and let the Reds come at them in a bid to just scrap out a point at Anfield. But it is easier said than done. I mean look at their defensive record, just 2 clean sheets in the last 9 games. It is just dangerous to go with such stats in a match against a team like Liverpool- who are currently on a roar.
The former Chelsea player and manager, Frank Lampard will be urging his players to go in at Anfield, with high spirits. Likewise, many Evertonians, players as well will be happy to take a point out of it.
LAST 6 MATCHES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES
Liverpool: 3 ; Draw: 2 ; Everton: 1
It is clear that Liverpool, more often than not, have looked dangerous up against their neighbours-cum-rivals in the recent past. Although, Klopp’s men have tasted a defeat there as well, it should be told that it was in the last campaign where the Reds were faced with a lot of injuries. A total of 19 defensive pairs were changed, over the course of the season.
Odds favour Liverpool, given the current form of the 2 sides as well. But it is the Merseyside Derby, one of the fierce battles between two sides in England. And you just cannot predict what can happen.
SNEAK PEEK: PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR
MO SALAH (LIVERPOOL)
The already shaky, the Evertonian defence will have nightmares on the pitch every time they will come up face-to-face with the pressure of the in-genius of Mohamed Salah.
There was a fear creeping up among the Kop that the Egyptian was not the same after his return from the World Cup qualifiers, fans and even his teammates were worried for Salah as he was just unable to score anymore. But for how long can you expect a player of Salah’s calibre to produce these dry spells?!
Mohamed Salah scored twice against Manchester United in the last game, to break his 6 game scoreless streak. The home fans will get behind their best player in the world and will hope that the Egyptian could at least deliver similar performance, if not exactly the same.
Salah’s nimble footwork and composed finishing, so far, has already left the world of football in awe. Meanwhile, Klopp will hope that his main man all season, just up his game as the end of the season nears- and the hope of the quadruple is still alive.
RICHARLISON (EVERTON)
With Calvert Lewin doubtful for Sunday’s game, Richarlison will look to step up. The Brazilian has been an amazing individual performer, in a side which is threatened to get relegated.
He has got 7 goals and 4 assists in 24 league games, this term for Everton. The 4-4-2 also suits the Everton forward, and with DCL slowly making his way back, they will look to bully the centre-halves. Everton could play long and bring Richarlison into play. He will try, and run in behind the defence causing trouble for the Reds’ defence with his pace.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool, arguably, had one of the busiest runs of fixtures in April. But Klopp’s side have overcome all the challenges, and have even kept fit. Throughout the period.
Otherwise a completely fit squad, Klopp will be looking to make some tweaks to the starting XI given the midweek 1st leg of the semi-final against Villareal. With Jota, Tsimikas, and Keita, hoping to make their way in.
On the contrary, Frank Lampard has a few concerns with the news of Calvert-Lewin’s thigh issue coming in, alongside Donny Van De Beek and Andre Gomes.
Other than that, the visitors are hoping to continue with the same starting XI as the one that drew with Leicester last time out.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Everton predicted XI vs Liverpool: Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Delph, Allan, Iwobi; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray.
