Liverpool vs Everton: Preview, predictions, expected line-ups and betting odds
Apr 19, 2016 at 10:44 PM
Premier League franchise Liverpool have won three games in a row in all competitions and are picking up some good momentum going into the fag end of the current season. They have done extremely well to knock Dortmund out of the Europa League as they bought themselves a wild card to enter the Champions League next season.
This does not mean that the club can let the league games go to waste and this mid-week they will play one of the most awaited games of the season, the Merseyside derby. In what will be Klopp’s first derby, Liverpool will take on Everton this mid-week after their initially scheduled game was postponed earlier this season.
The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw and spelt the end of previous manager Brendan Rodgers’ era but this time around, the Anfield franchise are in a completely different position. Everton on the other hand hardly have anything to play for and though it is a derby, they might not put their everything to get a result.
Here is the preview of the game along with the team news, predictions, expected line-ups and betting odds:
The Liverpool vs Everton game will be played on Wednesday, the 20th of April at Anfield in Liverpool. The kick-off is scheduled at 8:00 pm BST (12:30 am on Thursday IST).
Team News:
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made it clear that he will not rest any key players for this fixture. However, defender Martin Skrtel and striker Christian Benteke are still not fit to take the field. Mid-fielders Jordan Henderson and Emre Can are both out for a long time while Ings, Gomez and Rossiter remain out for the rest of the season.
Roberto Matinez, on the other hand, has plenty of injury problems going into this game. Defenders Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka are both out of this fixture due to hamstring injuries. Leighton Baines will undergo a late fitness test to prove himself before the game. James McCarthy, Barkley and Lukaku are back fit for this game while Lennon and Cleverly will also be examined before kick-off.
Expected Line-up:
Liverpool:
Mignolet; Flanagan, Lovren, Sakho, Clyne; Allen, Milner; Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana; Sturridge
Everton:
Joel; Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Oviedo; Besic, McCarthy, Barkley; Deulofeu, Lukaku, Mirallas
Key Battles:
Daniel Sturridge vs John Stones:
The English duo will be locked in an intense battle this mid-week when Liverpool take on Everton. Both players are in prime form with Sturridge having scored a goal and assisted the other in the game against Bournemouth. Stones at the other end was superb against Southampton and will have to be at his best to keep Sturridge away from his goal.
Romelu Lukaku vs Dejan Lovren:
The Belgian striker has been in devastating form in front of goal this season and will be the biggest threat for Liverpool at Anfield. But Dejan Lovren in defense for the Reds has also been in the solid form of late and will surely be confident going into this game. This contest can easily decide the outcome of the game.
Key Stats:
Everton have not beaten Liverpool in 10 league matches (D7, L3), their longest winless league streak in this fixture since an 11-match run between 1979 and 1984.
Liverpool’s only defeat in the 18 most recent league meetings came at Goodison Park in October 2010 (W8, D9, L1).
Everton have not been awarded a penalty against Liverpool since April 2003 when David Unsworth scored from the spot at Goodison Park.
Roberto Firmino has been involved in 12 goals in his last 11 league games (eight goals, four assists).
Daniel Sturridge has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances.
Ramiro Funes Mori has scored four league goals this season – the only defender with more is Scott Dann (five).
Romelu Lukaku has scored five goals in his last seven league appearances against Liverpool.
Betting Odds:
Liverpool: 8/11
Draw: 3/1
Everton: 4/1
Predictions:
Liverpool have now scored 7 goals and conceded 3 in their last three Premier League games. They are a side full of confidence and will go into this game as firm favorites to take all three points especially with Everton having nothing to play for this season. However, the occasion of a derby game might just level the field for Everton who might come away from this with a point.
Our Prediction: Liverpool 3-3 Everton