As the year edges to a close, Liverpool’s gaffer Jurgen Klopp finds himself with another gripe to air. The international break, which never seems to come at the right time for club managers, poses a fresh challenge for the Reds. For upon the Premier League’s return, Liverpool are slated for the not-so-favoured 12:30 pm kick-off, much to Klopp’s dismay.
Liverpool
It’s a timeslot that seems even more cumbersome when one factors in the jet-lagged South American contingent of the squad. Liverpool, unlike many of their counterparts, boasts a slew of key stars who’ve been sweating it out in the intense South American World Cup Qualifiers. Their late flight back to Merseyside raises serious questions about their readiness for such an early game on their return.
Of course, one could argue that broadcasting honchos have their reasons. Big clubs pull in big numbers, after all. Yet, Liverpool’s frustrations hold water. Currently sitting 4th, trailing league leaders Arsenal by a mere three points, the Reds have felt the sting of dropped points in their last two Premier League encounters. The upcoming fixture sees them defending a pristine home record: three wins from three, with an impressive nine goals netted.
Amidst this, there was a shimmer of European joy as Liverpool clinched a victory against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. However, that win was bookended by a contentious loss to Spurs and a 2-2 stalemate at Brighton. A silver lining? Both slip-ups occurred on the road, with Anfield remaining a fortress where Liverpool have clinched all five fixtures across all competitions this season.
In the personnel department, there are mixed tidings. The talented Curtis Jones finds himself side-lined due to suspension. On the flip side, Diogo Jota is back in the mix, having served his time on the naughty step. Meanwhile, the availability of Cody Gakpo hangs in the balance, and the ever-reliable Andrew Robertson returns from international duty nursing an injury. As ever, the Premier League promises intrigue and drama in equal measure.
Everton
In the ever-evolving landscape of football, even staunch traditionalists like Sean Dyche can’t ignore the clamour of statistics. Recently, the numbers seem to whisper a sympathetic narrative for Everton: that of a side more hard-done-by than genuinely underwhelming. But while numbers can weave stories, it’s results that write footballing history. No doubt, then, Dyche would’ve heaved a sigh of relief with that crucial victory against Bournemouth before players jetted off for international commitments.
That win provided a lifeline, nudging the Toffees up to a slightly more breathable 16th spot on the Premier League table. They’ve now created a three-point cushion from the ominous relegation trio, although the road to mid-table respectability remains steep. Intriguingly, most of Everton’s Premier League spoils have been harvested on their travels, with a mixed bag of results – a 1-1-1 away record, netting 5 goals whilst conceding 7.
The shockwave of a 1-2 tumble against Luton Town still reverberates, but the Bournemouth victory offers hope. Add to this the fact that the Blues have clinched 3 of their last 4 matches across all competitions, and the optimists might start seeing a turnaround. Away from the echoing chambers of Goodison Park, they’ve showcased resilience, remaining unbeaten in 4 matches since that brutal 4-0 drubbing at Villa Park. Their last away day in the Premier League even saw them dismantling Brentford 3-1. As the Merseyside derby looms large on the horizon, Everton can take heart from having suffered just one defeat in their last seven Premier League outings away from home.
On the squad front, there’s cautious optimism. Veterans like Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, and Andre Gomes seem poised for a return, having been given ample time to rally. And if the rumour mills are to be believed, there’s a tantalising possibility of Dele Alli pulling on the royal blue jersey come Saturday.
Head to Head
In the fiery cauldron of Merseyside derbies, Liverpool have had the lion’s share of bragging rights recently. From their last season’s encounters with Everton in the Premier League, the Reds pocketed a cool four points and managed to triumph in 3 out of the preceding 4 local showdowns.
Everton, in a ghostly Anfield devoid of its roaring fans, managed a rare and cherished victory back in February 2021, breaking a lengthy barren spell at the hallowed ground. However, Liverpool, true to their resilient nature, have bounced back since, claiming back-to-back victories at home against their blue neighbours.
Crunching the numbers, it’s evident: Liverpool have stamped their authority in 6 of the last 7 Merseyside battles at Anfield. For those placing their bets and fans gearing up for another pulsating derby, history certainly tilts the balance in favour of the men in red.
Match Result Prediction
Liverpool to win.
Score Prediction
Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton
