The second Merseyside derby of the 2023-24 season comes at a crucial period of the campaign for both Everton and Liverpool. The visitors will be the clear favourites in the betting after bouncing back to winning ways in their last fixture, while Everton could secure their top-flight status with one more victory.
Premier League Preview
There are few more intensive rivalries in England than Liverpool and Everton, and that will be intensified this week based on the positions that both sides currently find themselves in. Liverpool are looking to send Jurgen Klopp off into the sunset with a second Premier League title, and they moved back to second in the standings with a vital victory at Fulham in their previous outing.
Everton’s confidence of maintaining their top-flight status was improved after a 2-0 success over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, meaning that they now sit five points clear of the drop zone. However, the Toffees will be aware that they likely need one more victory to ensure their status. It could also be worth noting that Everton were incredibly fortunate not to have conceded at least one penalty in their recent win over Forest.
Everton’s record in midweek matches in the Premier League is a concerning factor, as they have won just once in their last nine. Their only success was recorded against Newcastle in December. However, in matches played on a Wednesday, they are winless in the last three seasons since a 1-0 success against Wolves.
The increased pressure this week will be on Liverpool, as only a victory will see them maintain their fight for the Premier League title. Draws have been an issue for the Reds throughout the season, with only West Ham having been held to ties on more occasions this term of the sides sitting inside the top nine positions. Liverpool have also won just three of their last five matches, which includes just a single victory over their last three.
Everton vs Liverpool Head to Head
Everton’s record against Liverpool is extremely concerning, as they have gone 12 league matches without a victory against their rivals at Goodison Park. Over that period, Liverpool have recorded just three victories, with nine previous encounters ending in draws.
However, the Reds have suffered just one defeat in their last 26 Premier League matches with their rivals, winning on 12 occasions over that period. But, the Reds have recorded four victories in the last five encounters, and they have kept clean sheets in each of the last four.
Everton vs Liverpool Team News
Seamus Coleman is a doubt to feature in the Merseyside derby this weekend after picking up a groin injury. Lewis Dobbin could be fit enough to return to the bench. Liverpool will once again be without Thiago Alcantara. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury.
Betting Trends To Know
Everton have really struggled for goals in recent encounters against the Reds, as they have gone four matches without a goal against their local rivals. Meanwhile, no fixture in Premier League history has seen more red cards than the Merseyside derby.
Everton’s 16th red card in this fixture came earlier in the season when Ashley Young was dismissed. However, there hasn’t been sending offs in both derby matches in a single season since 2005-06.
Everton vs Liverpool Prediction
Liverpool’s dominant record against their rivals is very challenging to overlook when it comes to making selections this week. The Reds have bossed matches against Everton throughout the Klopp era, and we could see the German signing off at Goodison Park with yet another success on Wednesday.
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