Liverpool’s season resumes after the international break with a bang.
This season’s opening Merseyside derby is the ideal opportunity for the Reds to resume their winning ways.
With the exception of two victories in the last three, Everton’s 2023–24 season has gotten off to a rather bad start, with Sean Dyche’s team languishing in 16th place after eight games.
However, the Toffees have been rather unlucky, and their underlying statistics show that there is a better team hiding inside ready to emerge and go up the ladder.
The two longtime rivals are set to square off in what promises to be another fierce match at Anfield, but despite the cliché that form is irrelevant in a derby, Liverpool’s recent record versus Everton is actually very encouraging.
Here are some of Anfield Watch’s authors’ predictions for the outcome of Saturday’s game.
Sam McGuire: I never feel confident going into a derby, despite our strong history versus Everton. My father-in-law’s blue colour probably has anything to do with this.
The Toffees have experienced a lot of bad luck this season, but that will end. Here at Anfield, Liverpool will need to perform at their highest level, which could be challenging given their dubious track record in early kick-offs following an international break.
Due to Andrew Robertson’s injury, the Reds are once again unable to select their strongest back four, but Diogo Jota’s return gives Liverpool some much-needed attacking options.
While I don’t anticipate a high scoring contest, I do anticipate both sides having some respectable opportunities. I predict a slim Liverpool victory.
Everton loses to Liverpool 2-1.
Dan Vassie: “I think Liverpool will come storming out of the gates against Everton and start well (which is unlike the Reds this season, I know.) after the disappointment at Spurs and Brighton before the international break.”
However, on derby day, players always step up, and Liverpool will want to leave a lasting impression.
For his first Merseyside derby, Ryan Gravenberch will start in midfield because I anticipate a highly tough game from both teams.
What could possibly go wrong considering Jurgen Klopp has a stellar record against Sean Dyche and Liverpool has a stellar record versus Everton (particularly at Anfield)? Despite the early start time…
In the end, I believe Liverpool will score first and secure a victory in the second half to resume their title defence.
Everton loses to Liverpool 2-0.
The 12:30 BST kick-off following the international break means that none of Darwin Nuez, Alexis Mac Allister, or Luis Diaz—who all played 90 minutes on Wednesday morning—will be totally fit and ready. In a normal time slot, I’d bet on a fairly comfortable victory here.
Cody Gakpo is still healing from his injury, and a slinged-up Robertson is definitely out, which causes Klopp a lot of selection problems.
Considering the fitness difficulties, who launches the attack?
Given that Mac Allister had to be hooked at halftime against Wolves (the final game after the international break), can he be put in at six for such a hard battle?
Are you able to halt Everton’s relentless crossing machine, Kostas Tsimikas?
Putting aside all of those (justifiable) worries, I believe Liverpool will succeed. They’ll probably do it even though it will be unpleasant, painful, ugly, and boring.
Everton loses to Liverpool 3-1.