Saturday sees two of the biggest clubs in England renew hostilities as Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park to Anfield as Liverpool await. With both sides vying for European football, this incarnation of the Merseyside derby is a far cry from Jurgen Klopp’s first one almost a year ago now.The Reds, of course, harbour genuine aspirations of finishing in the top four and reaching the Champions League, while Ronald Koeman’s Toffees side are aiming to keep up with Manchester United in the race for the Europa League. Though inconsistency has proved a sewing motif for both clubs this season, they appear to be hitting form at the right time ahead of the derby.Everton haven’t won a derby since 2010, though Koeman’s rebuild of the club is beginning to take shape, though injuries over the course of the international break haven’t helped the Dutchman’s cause.Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last three games and while they have injury concerns themselves, are four points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in the race for the Champions League.So, in theÂbuild-up to the game, Football FanCast turn their hands to an in-depth preview of the game, analysing all aspects of the game.
Injury News
Ronald Koeman’s rather public spat with the Republic of Ireland took another sour turn over the course of the break, with Seamus Coleman horrificallyÂbreaking his leg against Wales in the recent World Cup qualifier.
Though James McCarthy was pulled from the game, those at Goodison Park are seemingly still frustrated that the midfielder was even considered for it, while there are also doubts about the fitness of Ramiro Funes Mori after being stretchered off against Bolivia for the Argentine national side.
Morgan Schniederlin is another doubt with a calf problem, leaving the Toffees a little light.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have injury concerns themselves. Adam Lallana was a victim of his own international exploits by injuring his thigh with England, while Jordan Henderson and Dejan Lovren continue to miss out.
Daniel Sturridge, as ever, is a doubt too with a hip injury.
Referee
Anthony Taylor has the rather unenvious task of officiating the game on Saturday and his appointment only adds fuel to the fire. Taylor has brandished four red cards this season (the second highest in the division), along with 97 yellow ones, the highest in the Premier League.
With this game producing the most dismissals of any in Premier League history, tempers are always likely to boil over when the two meet on the banks of the River Mersey, so Taylor will likely have his work cut ou for him indeed.
Perhaps a good omen for Liverpool is that in his 23 games this season, there’s a 42.9% win rate for the home side.
Probable XIs
Liverpool
Despite the injuries, one of the major criticisms of Klopp’s project at Anfield has been his perceived lack of having a Plan B. While Lallana is crucial to the high pressing nature of their midfield, Klopp is unlikely to change much in his setup, with Emre Can deployed ahead of Lucas Leiva instead.
EvertonÂ
An injury-hit Everton will have to make use of their squad. One of the most impressive engine rooms in the Premier League when everyone is fit, missing the likes of Schneiderlin and McCarthy is a huge blow to Ronald Koeman.
Seamus Coleman’s absence on the right-hand side will compromise Everton’s attacking enterprise somewhat, though England outcast Ross Barkley appears to be enjoying the freedom he has when drifting in from the right.
Manager quotes Prediction
Jurgen Klopp’s record in the big games speaks for itself. Unbeaten this season against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur, the Reds relish the big occasion.
While Lallana’s absence will seriously impact their heavy metal brand of football, Everton’s injury concerns are far more concerning. Without Coleman overlapping Barkley, the Toffees lose a sense of balance down the right, space Sadio Mane is likely to exploit.
Expect goals in a Liverpool win.
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