Premier League: Toffees Look to Trip Up Liverpool Again in Derby

Premier League: Toffees Look to Trip Up Liverpool Again in Derby

Liverpool vs Everton

Life is good in the red half of Merseyside right now. The Reds are currently eight points clear atop the Premier League table, and more importantly, 11 points clear of champions Manchester City.

But perhaps even more enjoyable for some Liverpool fans is the fact that their bitter enemies Everton are languishing down in 17th, just one place above the relegation zone.

Liverpool could potentially put the final nail in under-fire Everton boss Marco Silva’s coffin as they host their city rivals at Anfield for the first Merseyside derby of the season.

However, the Reds will be without a couple of their key players in defence. That could once again make things a bit sticky against the Toffees, who have given Jurgen Klopp’s side some headaches in recent meetings.

Talking Points

Liverpool’s key absentees

Liverpool’s recent form in the Premier League has been simply immaculate. After disposing of Brighton 2-1 over the weekend, they’ve now won five on the bounce and remain unbeaten through the first 14 games of the season, with 13 wins and a lone draw at Manchester United.

That Brighton win has extended the Reds’ unbeaten league run to 31 games, which has tied the all-time club record set back in 1988. Moreover, they have now gone undefeated at Anfield for 46 consecutive matches, with 36 wins and 10 draws.

While the performances have not always been completely convincing, it remains the mark of a champion to pick up results even when things aren’t going exactly to plan.

That was certainly the case against Brighton. Liverpool were already playing without pivotal holding midfielder Fabinho, who will miss the next month with an ankle injury. And they were then dealt another blow in the form of Alisson’s sending off, which will see him suspended for the next three matches.

Luckily for Liverpool, they have a capable deputy in Adrian, who proved himself while filling in for an injured Alisson earlier this season.

Aside from the defensive concerns, though, there will be some question marks about the attack as well. Liverpool have found it quite difficult to break their rivals down in recent derbies. There’s been just one goal in total scored in the last three Merseyside derbies, and that was Divock Origi’s fluky 95th-minute winner after Jordan Pickford’s howler.

Everton’s struggles continue

The pressure continues to build for Marco Silva. The knives were out for the Everton boss after their disastrous 2-0 home defeat to fellow relegation strugglers Norwich.

Although, Everton looked all set for a morale-boosting result at Leicester. They had taken the lead against the Premier League’s second-placed side and were mere seconds away from picking up a much-needed away point. Unfortunately, they were cruelly denied by a late Kelechi Iheanacho winner.

But as disappointing as Everton’s recent Premier League 2019 results have been, form — as well as Premier League 2019 betting odds — usually goes out the window during derbies.

The added desperation of Everton needing to pick up a much-needed result coupled with the usual ferocity and energy that a derby provides could be a potentially effective combination.

A major part of Everton’s struggles this season has been due to their inability to find the back of the net. They’ve scored just 14 goals in 14 games this season, fourth-fewest in the league.

Luckily, Richarlison has been on a good run of late, with three goals in his last five games. The Brazilian will be the Toffee’s main attacking threat as he looks to exploit Liverpool’s somewhat weakened defence.

History

Liverpool have had a significant edge over Everton in past years. Since 1993, the red half of Merseyside has come out on top 24 times, while the blue half has emerged victorious just nine times. Meanwhile, there have been 23 draws.

Everton have held the Reds to draws in three of their last five meetings. Although, it was mere seconds from being four in five had it not been for that very late winner by Origi in last year’s fixture.

Betting Tip

Under 3.00 Goals @ 1.92

SBOBET odds have Liverpool priced at 1.41 to come out on top in the derby, while Everton are big 7.40 underdogs to pull off a major upset. Meanwhile, a draw is at 4.40.

Given Everton’s recent ability to frustrate Jurgen Klopp’s side, there’s at least some doubt as to whether the Reds will claim all three points. Although, that is still the most likely outcome. But still, those odds don’t offer much value.

That’s why I’m going with the total to go under 3.0 goals as my preferred bet. I fully expect this to be another cagey affair between the two sides, who have produced a paltry three goals between them in their last four Premier League meetings.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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