After getting the better of Arsenal, another huge game is on the horizon for Sean Dyche and Everton as they take on Liverpool at Anfield on Monday.
To Win Match
Liverpool 5/10 | Draw 34/10 | Everton 52/10
Liverpool
Surely, surely the current level of performance at Liverpool isn’t good enough. I mean, I must admit I am surprised by the lack of media attention putting a spotlight on the shortcomings of Jurgen Klopp’s side this season. This is a shadow of the Liverpool side from last season…you cannot (in good faith) go from competing for a quadruple, reminding everyone of your place in history and serenading your manager and players as those amongst the greatest the league has ever seen, to 10th on the table.
Nobody can take anything away from Jurgen Klopp and what he has achieved in England, but his side are currently horrible. Defensively, they have been poor, conceding 18 goals in their last eight fixtures in all competition just simply isn’t good enough – especially since they aren’t scoring close to that!
As far as this game is concerned though, Liverpool’s lack of defensive solidity might be assisted by Everton’s conservative approach to attacking football now. Although with that being said, all of the pressure, all the expectation and all of the onus of this game lies squarely on the shoulders of the mighty Reds.
Predicted Line-up: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson, Thiago, Bajcetic, Keita, Gakpo, Nunez, Salah.
Everton
How about that for a start!? So much has been said about the current Everton squad, the fact that they signed nobody in the window and if anything, ended up losing a player from their squad to Newcastle.
Sean Dyche knew what he would be getting himself into when he took over at Goodison Park. The Toffee’s will expect to stay up this season, irrespective of their start, those fans will no doubt get completely behind their new manager and urge the team over the line this year – but boy it’ll be a job.
Sean Dyche is clear about his approach, defensive structure…nothing unnecessary and flashy in the defensive third. Hard working players, ensuring that every ounce of effort and will is extracted for the 90 minutes they are on the field, earning the right to go forward, knowing that their own possession will be limited and so when in possession of the football – make it count.
We saw every element come to fruition against Arsenal – and so why wouldn’t they be good for it at Anfield?
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, McNeil, Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin.
Verdict: Draw + Under 2.5 goals (42/10)
Liverpool are only favourites in this fixture due to their history, their performances this year have been putrid. Everton aren’t great either, but their defensive prowess coupled with the intensity of Sean Dyche and the Merseyside atmosphere given the occasion all adds and gives this tight affair credence.
This will be a physical and gritty game, no doubt, but I honestly cannot see either win it.
