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Liverpool vs Everton: 02/12/2018 – match preview and predicted starting XI’s

Liverpool vs Everton

Date: 02/12/2018

K/O: 16:15

Venue: Anfield

TV: Sky Sports Main Event

Referee: Chris Kavanagh

This weekend’s fixture list sees one of the biggest Premier League derbies take place as Liverpool host Everton at Anfield.

Liverpool will be looking to keep pace with title rivals Manchester City after dismantling Watford 3-0 last Saturday. Meanwhile, Everton will be hoping to continue their good form to close the gap between themselves and the top six.

Liverpool’s fantastic form took a knock this week after they lost 2-1 to PSG in the Champions League midweek leaving their qualification hopes in the balance. The quick turnaround for the Reds may be cause for concern as signs of fatigue begin to show and this could give Marco Silva’s men a chance to derail Liverpool’s title charge. However, Jurgen Klopp and his side will be fired up going into the game as they need to bounce back after a demoralizing loss in Paris.

Klopp’s side have been unstoppable at times and are one of two teams to remain undefeated this season. The Merseyside derby is one of the most competitive in the league and fans will be eager to see their team keep the pressure on City. A win for Liverpool would do this and keep confidence high going into the notoriously tough Christmas period.

Everton will also be looking to continue their improved form but to do so Silva will have to become the first Toffees manager to beat Liverpool at Anfield in his first attempt since 1894. While Everton have only won two derby matches at Anfield and nine in total out of 52 meetings, Silva may inspire hope among the Everton faithful that this could be the year they get one over their Merseyside rivals. They have the strongest side they have had in recent years and Silva has been getting some fantastic performances from his team having lost once in their last seven Premier League outings.

Everton are beginning to find a strong balance throughout their squad. Whether Yerry Mina or Kurt Zouma feature alongside Michael Keane the defense looks strong and Andre Gomes’ recent performance have added skill and experience to the midfield.

The Blues will be hoping that their rivals are tired from their midweek efforts and that a full week of preparation will pay off and they can end Liverpool’s unbeaten run. Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson have been key players throughout the season and will need to perform against Liverpool if they are to cause an upset.



Whichever way this fixture goes, it is likely to be an entertaining one. Historically, the Merseyside derby has never failed to deliver excitement and drama. Goals such Phil Jagielka’s volley or Mo Salah’s solo effort last season always make this match one to watch.

Team News

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana remain sidelined for Liverpool with long-term injuries. Liverpool may not have the option to rest key players this weekend and the full-strength team fielded against PSG may be similar to the one that features in a crucial derby day clash. Alexander-Arnold could return to right-back after Joe Gomes featured against PSG while Fabinho may also be reinstated to the starting lineup if Klopp chooses to rotate.

Apart from James McCarthy’s continued absence while he recovers from a broken leg, Everton have a full squad of players to choose from. Silva is unlikely to change a winning recipe as Everton have shown their best defensive and attacking displays in recent fixtures.

Predicted Starting XI’s:

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Henderson; Mane, Firmino, Salah.

Everton (4-5-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gueye, Gomes, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Walcott; Richarlison.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Everton

Nearly half of the 52 Merseyside derbies have ended in draws and with both sides experiencing their best league form in years, the clash is likely to be a tense and cagey affair. Hopefully fans are treated to a game to remember. Two exceptional sides should deliver but with Everton in good form and Liverpool coming off an important loss a draw is likely.

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