A derby is a derby. They are not like the games of years gone by, which predominantly featured all local players, but it still means a lot to the players involved. Everton will want to make a statement. It is no secret they have struggled at Anfield, but you can’t take anything for granted. If Liverpool defend properly, they will win the game.
The good news is Diogo Jota is back. The bad news we have is with Nunez, Mac Allister and Diaz returning from South America, each of whom will be tired from the travel involved. Klopp will probably go with Jota, Gakpo and Salah as a result.
In terms of what to expect from Everton, Calvert-Lewin can be a danger on the day and Everton have a couple of good midfield players who break well and are good at getting in the box. With all due respect, we shouldn’t be worrying about Everton. We are far better than them at the moment. They will fight like hell, but we just have to make sure we defend properly.
I must admit, I can’t believe what Everton have become in the modern era. I have family and friends who are Evertonians, so I know the score. Their club has been mismanaged terribly. Some of the players and managers they’ve had and later lost have gone on to do really well elsewhere, which hints at issues from the place they’ve departed. There has been no solidity. If you look at the Everton away fans and what they give the club, they deserve more.
With Richarlison no longer at Everton, I am sure we can rely on Jordan Pickford to try and cause a stir on the pitch during Saturday’s match. If I was playing, I would be standing on his toes from corners trying to provoke a reaction. He is a good keeper, but a loose cannon. It’s something Liverpool could look to exploit. We’ve seen him involved in altercations on the pitch and you wouldn’t at all be surprised to see it happen again.
Pickford is one who could thwart us on the day if he has a stormer, like he can do, and could do some real damage. But then you look at the famous Origi goal he let in, that’s what he does sometimes.
Robertson injury a real blow for Reds
Losing Andy Robertson to injury is going to be a big blow, make no mistake about it. There’s another international break next month and he is likely to be OK after that has come to an end. I had a similar setback when I was at Real Sociedad and was only out for a few weeks. Hopefully that will be the case on this occasion. It gives Tsimikas the chance to stake a claim of some sort, let’s hope he can defend accordingly and be a threat going forward.
