Merseyside Derby Preview | Liverpool vs Everton at Anfield

This weekend sees Liverpool host Everton for the 247th Merseyside Derby. As one of the most anticipated derby matches in the Premier League, this season could produce the most competitive derby matches we have seen in a while.

Both Merseyside derby matches last season were close affairs. Liverpool edged out a 1-0 win at Anfield courtesy of Diogo Jota goal. The last derby match at Goodison Park was a perfect ending for the neutral, a dramatic 2-2 draw. 

Home side Liverpool come into the game on the back of five wins in a row in all competitions. The reds have won all of their games inside the last 10 minutes this season and have scored in 38 Premier League games in a row.

Everton are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions including impressive wins against Wolves and Brighton.

Everton will have had a whole week to prepare unlike Liverpool who played in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Everton will be encouraged by the amount of goals Liverpool have conceded so far this season. Especially when Liverpool are leading games. Atletico Madrid, Bournemouth and Newcastle all have come from behind against the reds.

Team news

Liverpool has a relatively healthy squad going into this weekend. Alexis Mac Allister was subbed off after a bad tackle against Burnley but did feature as a substitute in the Champions League.

Alexander Isak surprisingly made his first start against Atletico Madrid and played around 60 minutes. Slot will have a tough decision on his hands whether to stick with Isak or start with Hugo Ekitike, who has been in good form so far this season.

Andy Robertson looks set to start at the weekend after replacing Milos Kerkez in the first half versus Burnley. Robertson also started and scored against Atletico Madrid.

Everton are still likely to be without Jarrad Branthwaite but he is getting closer to full fitness. The Toffees could also miss left-back Vitaly Mykolenko who wasn’t a part of the squad against Aston Villa.

Premier League player of the month for August, Jack Grealish will likely start alongside Iliman Ndiaye in attack.

David Moyes may be inclined to go with the more experienced Beto, to lead the line instead of new signing Thierno Barry who is still looking for his first Everton goal.

David Moyes has never won at Anfield in the Premier League and will hope his side can keep their defensive stability whilst hurting the Champions defence.

Arne Slot and Liverpool will know that a derby game can have a completely different feel. They will not want to give Everton any hope especially with the away side's defensive record this season.

Can Liverpool keep up their momentum and put more pressure on Arsenal, as the Gunners play Manchester City on Sunday?

Or will Everton put a stop to Liverpool’s winning streak and produce a result to give their fans the bragging rights until the return fixture?