Prediction: Liverpool vs Everton

Verdict: Home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Betfair

The Merseyside Derby is never a dull affair, and it’s not likely to be one now either. One would think that in the light of the recent anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster which has united the city of Liverpool to a large degree, as well as the disrespect towards the victims shown by the fans of the two Manchester clubs, would make this clash a little friendlier than usual, but let’s be realistic, it’s not going to happen.

Both teams desperately need the points to achieve their respective goals, but it’s not very likely that both will get anything to nail on the board.

Liverpool

Liverpool are, of course, locked in the title race against Manchester City, seeking to equal Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles in their trophy cabinet, and derby or not, they simply cannot afford to slip up against a team as troubled as Everton are at the moment. They have to be ruthless and take full advantage of the situation. At the moment, the Reds are second to the defending champions by a single point in the Premier League table, and the race promises to be exciting right down to the final round.

Having passed through their Champions League group much more easily than many would’ve expected, they eliminated Inter Milan and Benfica and have now reached the semifinals, where they will face Villarreal over two legs, the first of which is being played just three days after this match. In the FA Cup, Liverpool have just eliminated Manchester City and will face Chelsea in the final, having already beaten Thomas Tuchel’s side in the final of the Carabao Cup. In short, Liverpool are still very much in the picture for all four trophies this season.

The recent form of Jurgen Klopp’s men is rather formidable. They didn’t win only when they could afford not to, or when the opponent was as good as them. The last six matches in all competitions saw them beat Watford at home by 2-0 and Benfica in Lisbon by 1-3, before drawing 2-2 away to City and 3-3 at home against Benfica. Then they faced City in the FA Cup semis at Wembley and won that round by 3-2, followed by a proper thrashing of their arch-rivals Manchester United at home by 4-0.

Team News

The only question regarding player availability as far as Liverpool are concerned revolves around Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian forward suffered a minor foot injury recently and he will be assessed ahead of the game.

But even if Firmino is declared fit, Klopp won’t want to risk him with a start. Sadio Mane could be rested for the Villarreal clash on Wednesday, which would likely mean the trio of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah starting against Everton. Klopp has been rotating his players recently, giving almost all of them a rest here and there, and it’s hard to foresee what changes he’ll decide to make on Sunday.

Everton

It has been a nightmare season for the Toffees. They appointed former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to replace Carlo Ancelotti last summer after the experienced Italian tactician left them for Real Madrid, but that didn’t work out too well. Benitez was sacked in mid-January and replaced by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

The Toffees are still in serious danger of relegation. As things stand at the moment, a point more and a game in hand on direct rivals Burnley means that they have a quite realistic chance of avoiding the drop, but they’ll have to start picking up results soon. Facing a rampart Liverpool on a quest for glory is not something they need right now, but they obviously can’t choose their opponent.

Everton’s last six matches in all competitions include a 1-0 win over Newcastle at home, a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinals, a 2-1 defeat away to West Ham, a 3-2 defeat to Burnley which has obviously complicated matters significantly, a 1-0 win at home over Manchester United, and a 1-1 draw at home against Leicester City earlier this week.

Team News

Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Lampard has confirmed that midfielders Andre Gomes and United loanee Donny van de Beek won’t be going across the park due to ‘minor injuries’. A thigh issue has ruled out striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well which means Richarlison will probably start as the central attacker, while midfielder Tom Davies, winger Andros Townsend and fullback Nathan Patterson remain long-term absentees.

Fabian Delph will likely partner Allan in the middle of the park with Alex Iwobi more advanced. Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon should be providing support for Richarlison.

Conclusion

Derby or not, anything but a comprehensive Liverpool win would represent a huge surprise here. After all, it is a clash of the best side in the league when it comes to home matches this season against the worst away team. Jordan Pickford is likely to be picking the ball out of his net at least three times.

Verdict: Home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Betfair