Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield in a blockbuster Merseyside derby with implications at both ends of the table.
Victory would see Liverpool move back to within one point of league leaders – Manchester City as both teams fight for the title.
Everton meanwhile could begin this match in the relegation zone in need of a win to climb back out if Burnley defeat Wolves in an earlier kick-off.
Team News
Roberto Firmino is the only doubt for Liverpool after he missed their midweek victory over Manchester United with a foot injury.
Everton will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he suffered a quad injury in training.
Yerry Mina (quad) could feature but Donny van de Beek and Andre Gomes (both groin) are ruled out of this match.
Nathan Patterson (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh) and Andros Townsend (knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last eight Premier League meetings against Everton (W3, D4, L1).
- Everton have won just one of their last 21 league visits to Anfield (W1, D9, L11).
- Liverpool have conceded twice in each of their last two Merseyside derbies at home in the Premier League (W1, L1).
- Liverpool have conceded just once in seven league matches at home in 2022 (W7) – winning 3-1 against Norwich in February.
- Two of Richarlison’s last three goals for Everton have been scored from the penalty spot.
Prediction
Given what is at stake for both teams coming into this match at opposite ends of the table, the only way to describe this Merseyside derby is simply a ‘must-win’ for both clubs.
Liverpool are in awesome domestic form with no defeats so far this calendar year and absolutely blew Man Utd away in midweek with a dominant press and dictatorial pace, which was maintained throughout despite brief dips in defensive focus which Alisson covered brilliantly.
Everton meanwhile could begin this match in the relegation zone which could actually fire them up mentally especially after winning here last season, yet their away form is shambolic with just two points gained from 12 league matches on the road since October.
Calvert-Lewin’s absence will also be felt up front and if I am being honest, I just can’t see Everton getting anything out of this unless they defend deep for their lives like never before and can magic up a scrappy goal like in their 1-1 draw against Leicester on Wednesday.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Everton
Result: Liverpool 2-0 Everton
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