Everton is once again in danger of being relegated, and Liverpool supporters have been debating the implications ahead of the Merseyside Derby.
One of the most famous football rivalries is between Liverpool and Everton, but recently, the matchup has been in jeopardy because of the Blues’ dismal performance.
There is one extremely “practical” reason to desire them to be relegated after they only earned seven points from their first eight Premier League games.
Paul Cope discussed how Everton’s absence could increase the Reds’ point total on Monday’s Live at 5 programme, which is accessible on This Is Anfield’s YouTube and podcast platforms.
The Liverpool fan said that “we would be more likely to earn six points if Everton were simply removed from the league, regardless of how they finished overall.
“The 15th-placed team in our league shouldn’t have a chance to deprive us of any points, objectively speaking, even if Everton finishes 15th this season.
“But [it’s different] because it’s Everton, because it’s the derby, and because they’re more motivated.”
In 17 games played under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool has a solid overall record in the Liverpool derby, winning 10 and losing only one.
However, Everton has continued to generate issues, particularly at Goodison Park. Only two Liverpool games have been won across the board during Klopp’s leadership.
These draws have cost Liverpool dearly, as the team has twice in the past four years fallen one point short of winning the Premier League championship.
The game this weekend is at Anfield, which is fortunate because Gareth Roberts still enjoys the Liverpool derby despite the increased pressure.
“I like the derby, though, I was thinking when we were in [relegation] peril pretty recently,” the match-going Red said.
“Despite going to the game for as long as I have, it’s still one of those games that feels different and it’s good, a good different. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“I know there’s a lot of unnecessary stuff around it now and a lot of bitterness has crept into it, but I still like it,” the speaker said.
Although Liverpool are unquestionably the favourites, Paul is nevertheless anxious because Klopp’s team has a poor track record in 12.30pm kickoffs.
He continued, “There’s still that element of ‘they may take something off us’ because it’s Everton and because it’s (Sean) Dyche.
“They shouldn’t, but it seems to happen nonetheless.”
If Liverpool defeats Everton on Saturday, they will at least briefly take over first place in the Premier League standings.