Liverpool v Everton
This meeting between Liverpool and Everton sees the two clubs return to domestic action following the end of their respective European group stage commitments, each having a vastly different experience. The reds topped their Champions League pool thanks to Wednesday’s 7-0 demolition of Spartak Moscow, while their Merseyside rivals crashed out of the Europa League after taking just four points from their six matches.
That they will now face such an in-form Liverpool side is hardly likely to help matters, the Anfield club flying high as they enjoy a nine-game unbeaten run. That string of results includes just two draws, and Jurgen Klopp’s men will be further boosted by the fact they have not lost to Everton since 2010, a run that covers 14 games in all competitions.
Recording their only Europa League win this season as they defeated Apollon Limassol on Thursday evening, Everton continued their own good spell and have now won three games in a row for the first time this season. That has seen them climb to 10th-place in the Premier League table, but they remain closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four, sitting eight points off the bottom three but 11 behind the leading pack.
Liverpool have scored more goals than anyone other than the two Manchester clubs this term, their tally of 33 coming in a variety of ways but largely due to the brilliance of their front three. They have won with at least a three goal margin in five of their last six Premier League matches, Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation allowing them to press high up the pitch or counter-attack with pace depending on their opponents.
Everton have struggled to protect any advantage throughout the current campaign and have been guilty of giving away free kicks in dangerous areas all too often. Particularly weak in wide areas – where Liverpool boast the prowess of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – it will be interesting to see if Sam Allardyce can managed to tighten up their defence.
Klopp will once again be without long-term absentees Nathaniel Clyne and goalkeepers Adam Bogdan and Danny Ward, while left-back Alberto Moreno looks set to miss out due to an injury he sustained on Wednesday. That could well see James Milner – who recorded three assists after coming on as a sub in midweek – continue to start, while fellow defender Joel Matip remains a doubt.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be missing winger Yannick Bolasie, central defender Ramiro Funes Mori, and right-back Seamus Coleman due to injuries. Ross Barkley is getting closer to a return but isn't expected to recover in time to play here, Everton hoping that they heavy rotation in Cyprus will leave their regular starters fresh and ready.
That will undoubtedly include Wayne Rooney, making his long-awaited return to this fixture after his time with Manchester United. He has bagged three goals and an assist in his last two outings, meaning the veteran forward is rounding into form at the perfect time for Everton and would love nothing more than helping his boyhood club to victory here.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Gomez, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Henderson, Can, Coutinho; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Everton (4-5-1): Pickford; Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines; Lennon, Davies, Gueye, Rooney, Sigurdsson; Calvert-Lewin
