Everton vs Liverpool tips and predictions: Reds to bounce back from midweek slip-up

Everton state of play

Everton picked up a much-needed victory in midweek, courtesy of a resounding 4-0 rout of fellow strugglers Wolves, but that win is an oasis in a desert of poor form for the Toffees.

Their last victory before this week came way back on October 19 – a 2-0 away win at Ipswich – and they hadn’t managed to score twice in a game again until this week’s win over Wolves.

Everton kicked off December with a disastrous result as they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United. With Liverpool in free-scoring form heading into the weekend there is a real concern that the blue half of Liverpool could be in line for a hiding this weekend.

Sean Dyche will look to fire up his side for a classic Merseyside derby clash and hope that the occasion – a Saturday lunchtime kick-off – will inspire his team to a gritty performance. But will it be enough to take anything from the game?

Liverpool state of play

Arne Slot has picked up where Jurgen Klopp left off and if anything the Reds look even more dangerous under the Dutch boss.

Liverpool have looked like the best side not just in England, but in Europe, as they’ve raced to a huge lead at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League standings.

Last week saw the Reds stamp their authority on both competitions, as Liverpool handed back-to-back 2-0 defeats to European champions Real Madrid and then Premier League champions Manchester City. 

Goals have been plentiful – the Reds have netted twice or more in each of their last nine games in all competitions following a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday. That result saw them drop points in the league for the first time since October and you can bet they’ll be itching to respond with a big win against their local rivals.

Key talking point: Is this a mid-season dip, or will Liverpool bounce back immediately? 

Liverpool have been so good this season but surely they can’t keep that momentum going for the entire campaign?

Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equaliser for Newcastle on Wednesday showed that, if you are prepared to roll up your sleeves and battle, you might just give the Reds a fight. The big question now is whether Liverpool instantly return to winning ways or if that dramatic late goal will be the start of a dip in form for Arne Slot’s men?

Everton will provide stubborn opposition but given the high-octane nature of Merseyside derbies, it’s unlikely they’ll park the bus and simply look to contain. They’ll have to push forward, and when they do, Liverpool have more than enough in their arsenal to take advantage.

Expect a back-and-forth contest, with Liverpool’s cutting edge in attack proving to be the difference.

FIRST’s top tip for Everton vs Liverpool

Liverpool can’t stop scoring goals, so the only way to beat them in this form is to outscore them. And while the Toffees did manage to hit four past Wolves in midweek, repeating the trick against the league leaders, is a huge ask.

They might score one, but Liverpool’s firepower should see them cruise to a relatively comfortable win.

Asian handicap result: Liverpool (-1.5) – 109/100 (Mr Play)

Extra tips

In terms of pure form, Mohamed Salah might be the best player in the world right now. The Egyptian livewire has been electric for the Reds in recent matches. His brace at Newcastle coming hot on the heels of a great display against Real Madrid at Anfield in midweek.

He’s better than 3/1 odds to score twice more against Everton, a club he’s scored against seven times in 11 Premier League games to date. 

Salah to score two or more goals – 177/50 (Mr Play)

Liverpool to score over 2.5 goals – 36/25

Team news

Everton boss Sean Dyche is likely to stick with the bulk of the side that claimed that superb win against Wolves, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line in front of the attacking trio of Ilman Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil.

Liverpool will have to do without midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentinian picked up a yellow card at Newcastle which took his tally to five and triggered a one-game suspension.

Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to come in to replace him, with Liverpool switching to a 4-3-3, with Salah and Cody Gakpo operating either side of Darwin Nunez. Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are all out.

Everton vs Liverpool predicted line-ups

Everton: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Ndiaye, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin (4-2-3-1)

Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Everton: DWDWDLDDLW

Liverpool: WWDWWWWWWD

Odds correct at the time of writing.