Liverpool vs Everton: Preview

This Saturday Everton travel to Anfield, once again hoping to end their wretched run of results away to their local rivals, having not won across Stanley Park for 21 years.

Now, what can the Blues do to try and claim their first victory away to Liverpool since Kevin Campbell’s strike in that 1-0 victory all the way back in 1999?

For the majority of this season, Everton have played for points not plaudits. Ancelotti has built a resilience and strong defensive unit amongst this Everton team that has made them so difficult to break down. 

However, they’ve also retained a clinical edge up top to make the most of the limited chances they have and secure vital results. 

This is thanks greatly in part to the form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose current 18 goal campaign is the best of his career to date.

Ancelotti has confirmed that Calvert-Lewin should be fit to start after missing Everton’s last two home defeats to Fulham (0-2) and Manchester City (1-3). 

The manager has also confirmed that Allan, who hasn’t played since the 2-0 victory over Leicester in mid-December, is also in contention to start. 

Yerry Mina will miss out however, after picking up an injury in Wednesday’s defeat to run away leaders Manchester City.

Nonetheless, the return of these two will be a huge boost to the side. Calvert-Lewin provides a huge goal threat that side lack when he isn’t there, whilst Allan will return with some much needed energy and tenacity in the midfield.

Everton will no doubt set up in a low block and hit Liverpool on the counter as they so often have in games against opposition that will look to control the ball. Especially given the way Liverpool have struggled against sides who play a low block this season, Everton will no doubt look to exploit this as the likes of Burnley & Brighton have. 

The team will have to keep their shape and defensive discipline for the entire 90 minutes if they are to keep Liverpool out. 

The pace of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the counter attack will be vital as will the explosive running of Abdoulaye Doucoure from midfield to transition from defence to attack. 

Everton will have to get the balance right if they are to leave Anfield with the 3 points and it’s a challenge they’ll certainly have to be up for to avoid a third defeat in a row.

Prediction - Liverpool 1-1 Everton 

Last 5 Meetings (PL):

• Everton 2-2 Liverpool

• Everton 0-0 Liverpool

• Liverpool 5-2 Everton

• Everton 0-0 Liverpool

• Liverpool 1-0 Everton