In theory, Everton will be happier than Liverpool when the Merseyside derby is next on Saturday in the Premier League at Goodison Park. They are in great form with maximum points under Carlo Ancelotti, while Liverpool were beaten 7-2 in their last game at Aston Villa with no time to work on mistakes as players were scattered around the world in international play.
For the first time in many years, the blue half of the city will understandably go into the game expecting to win. In football, however, it’s best to be careful, especially with a team as good as this one in Liverpool.
We all know that Jürgen Klopp’s men, in addition to their obvious quality, have great resilience and a great character. They’ve cleared almost every hurdle in the last couple of seasons, coming back from losing in the European final, let alone a league game at Villa Park.
Liverpool are wavering after their humiliating 7-2 loss to Aston Villa in their final game
Meanwhile, their bitter rivals Everton, led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, lead the league
Everton won’t have the benefit of a full house cheering them on and Liverpool might even benefit from Ancelotti’s side confident enough to get them up front. If I were in the blue dressing room I’d say beware of the wounded animal, especially since Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, and Thiago Alcantara should be okay to return.
Of course, we cannot gloss over the defeat at Villa. Joe Gomez in particular has had problems at the heart of the defense this season. He doesn’t look as confident or even fit compared to his prime, and the manager faces a big decision on whether to take him out of the line of fire.
It’s always a tricky call. Some players benefit from taking a breather, gathering their thoughts and returning stronger. I always liked that last chance when I was out of shape and always performing better. For me, it helped rise to the challenge, while dropping it might have shattered my confidence.
Everton will lose the benefit of their loyal support that creates the atmosphere for Derby Day
I don’t know Gomez’s character, but from the outside I would say that it would be better for Liverpool if Fabinho supported Virgil van Dijk for the derby, especially since Klopp should have other strong options in midfield. The middle of a back four is such an important part of the field, especially for Liverpool on this occasion, as Everton’s main strength is the top three and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores every time.
You can track Everton’s progress by considering who you would pick in a shared Liverpool-Everton XI. A few years ago I picked 10 Reds and Andre Gomes, but now there would be more competition from Ancelotti’s players.
They wouldn’t leave Calvert-Lewin out of any team and at the back, Yerry Mina would deserve his place because of this season’s performances. However, it’s still true that Liverpool stay stronger overall which is why I like them on Saturday.
James Rodriguez is a great player, but you wouldn’t have him before Mo Salah. I’ve praised Richarlison, but he’s not quite the same player as Mane. Lucas Digne gets good reviews as Everton’s left-back, but you’d still be taking Andy Robertson any day of the week.
Joe Gomez was one of the Reds’ great fighters during their incredible loss to Aston Villa
Adrian was a convenient scapegoat last Sunday for making the first mistake. But you can’t just pin it to him. Liverpool outfield players gave up so many chances that they would still have lost with Alisson in goal. Adrian won every Premier League game he played last season so Liverpool should deal with Alisson’s shoulder injury on short notice.
More significant was the high line that Liverpool clung to. It’s all very good to play like this, but when there’s no pressure in midfield, you have to be relegated.
Can Liverpool be more determined and harder to play again? Of course they are. They have the best defensive record in the Premier League in two years and that is achieved through good organization, not luck.
Mane is the trigger to push from the front, he sets the tone, and Liverpool gets stronger when he’s back after self-isolating. Henderson is the leader they missed at Villa Park and he was fit enough to join England this week.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has revolutionized Everton and its players since arriving last season
Adrian must have a comeback in the derby after a shock against Villa
This is a fascinating game because of Everton’s revival. But they will miss the momentum they would have gotten from their fans. Liverpool will see it as a wonderful opportunity. People interview her for the show in Villa and conceded three goals against Leeds in an attempt to silence the critics.
When I saw games from the Kop, Liverpool and Everton were the best teams in the country and the derbies were the biggest games of the season. I remember my dad declining £ 50 for his ticket to a game at Anfield and we were both watching Liverpool win 3-1 when Kevin Sheedy scored a free kick right in front of me.
When I played for Liverpool it was competitive with the Manchester United games because they won all the trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, but it seems the Merseyside derby is returning to its former glory. Everton is really excited about this – but I support a Liverpool response to Villa Park.
Everton’s already sky-high confidence would be sparked by a big win over Liverpool
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