The 241st Merseyside Derby will kick off on Sunday and it could be the most important clash between Liverpool and Everton of all time for multiple reasons.
Liverpool are chasing Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title. After a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United at Anfield, the Reds went two points ahead of City in midweek, only for Pep Guardiola’s team to win against Brighton and move one points back ahead of the Liverpool.
Brilliant Diaz assist, superb Sadio finish👌😍 pic.twitter.com/fmbBeP6ACX— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 21, 2022
Brilliant Diaz assist, superb Sadio finish👌😍 pic.twitter.com/fmbBeP6ACX
Now, the Reds cannot afford to slip up against their city rival. The Merseyside Derby kicks off of over 24 hours after Manchester City have a seemingly easy fixture with nearly relegated Watford at the Etihad. There is no doubt Man City have a much easier fixture list down the stretch than the Reds do.
Everton are 17th in the table and battling against relegation. Frank Lampard’s team are coming off of a win and draw in the last two Premier League matches. The Toffees are four points ahead of 18th-place Burnley with seven games left to play.
Liverpool smashed through Everton earlier this season 4-1. Everton were under the management of Rafael Benitez at the time of the loss at Goodison Park.
Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the first half for the Reds before Demarai Gray pulled a goal back for Everton. Salah scored a second just after the hour-mark and Diogo Jota sealed the win in the final 11 minutes.
Everton shocked Liverpool at Anfield last season 2-0. It was during Liverpool’s poor middle of the season form at Anfield that saw them lose six straight matches at Anfield.
Liverpool have a record of 12W-12D-1L in the last 25 matches against Everton in all competitions. The Reds must prevent a loss to their city rival to stay in the race for the Premier League title.
Jurgen Klopp’s team is at the top of the form table with 16 points from the last 18 points on offer. They outscored their last six opponents 13-2. Everton picked up seven points from the last 18 available to them. The Toffees scored just six goals and conceded seven times.
Roberto Firmino is the only player on the Liverpool injury list heading into the game. He has ankle injury and is a slight doubt to play.
Lampard will be without Nathan Patterson, Tom Davies, and Andros Townsend due to injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a major doubt to play due to an injury.
Liverpool are on a great run of form and should post another win this season versus Everton. The Reds will keep their title fight alive.