One of the most emotionally heated rivalries in English football is set to be reignited on February 12, as Everton welcome long-time rivals, Liverpool, to Goodison Park for a final time.
However, this time, the Toffees arrive with a sense of purpose.
The timing of this clash could not be more favourable for Everton. When the fixture was initially scheduled, they were struggling both in form and fortune, making them vulnerable to a potentially humiliating defeat.
However, the postponement due to severe weather may have been a blessing in disguise.
Second Chances
With a new manager at the reigns, things have definitely reignited for Liverpool’s blue counterpart and the Reds must now prepare for a stronger showing against their fierce Merseyside rivals.
The League leaders are coming off a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, and they might still be reeling from that disappointment.
This Merseyside derby could be the moment we look back on and say, “Yes, that was the turning point.” But the real question is – what direction will it take?
A victory would allow the Reds to put some distance between themselves and their closest challengers, Arsenal.
However, a draw or even a defeat could be the spark that ignites the title race, giving their rivals the momentum to close the gap and potentially overtake them at the top.
One thing Arne Slot will be desperate to avoid is Liverpool dropping points in this crucial fixture.
The decision to rest key players in the FA Cup – ultimately leading to their shock exit – must not be in vain.
If the Reds fail to capitalize on this league match, questions will arise about whether the gamble was worth it.
With an even split in victories between the two sides – 41 wins each at Goodison Park – this Merseyside derby carries even more weight.
Everton, having levelled the tally with a 2-0 win over Liverpool toward the end of last season, will be determined to avoid falling behind again.
For Liverpool, a victory would further solidify their title charge, keeping them ahead in the race and reinforcing their momentum.
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Predicted Liverpool Line ups
The biggest uncertainty heading into this fixture is the availability of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back’s return date remains unknown after he picked up a knock in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
Curtis Jones is also a doubt, having personally requested to sit out the FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle due to not feeling fully fit.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has been ruled out after sustaining an injury in that same match.
Beyond these concerns, Slot’s squad remains largely intact.
Predicted Starting XI: Alisson; Conor Bradley, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Luis Díaz.
Predicted Everton Line Ups
Unfortunately for Everton, two key players – Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin – remain sidelined due to injury and will not feature in this crucial match.
Predicted Starting XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye, Lindstrøm; Doucouré, Ndiaye, Beto.
Despite the injuries, the hosts will still be looking to make a statement, and this lineup will need to step up in the absence of their influential names.
Player to Watch
This one’s a no-brainer – Mohamed Salah is having the season of his life.
With an incredible 21 goals and 13 assists already in just 23 games, there seems to be no stopping the Egyptian King.
To add even more weight to his impact, Mo Salah boasts an impressive record against Everton, with 7 goals and 1 assist in 11 appearances.
He’s certainly a player to watch, and Liverpool will be hoping he continues his stellar form in a potential title-defining Merseyside derby.
Predicted Score
Here’s to a 2-0 victory against Liverpool, there’s probably no upset to see here.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 03.09.2022