Liverpool vs Everton tips and predictions: Red to leave Toffees feeling blue in Merseyside derby?

Liverpool state of play

Fresh off a record-equalling 20th top-flight title last season, Liverpool are strong favourites to defend their Premier League crown after starting the campaign with four wins from four.

Despite their perfect league record, though, Liverpool haven’t clicked into gear yet, relying on late drama to edge past Burnley 1-0 last time out, and again to see off Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League midweek.

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In a clash that divides the city, Arne Slot’s side will be out to deliver a statement performance against fierce rivals Everton and stretch their lead over the chasing pack.

Everton won’t roll over easily, but the Merseyside derby feels like the perfect opportunity for the Reds to lay down a marker and get back to their fearsome best against their neighbours. 

Everton state of play

Everton will look to halt Liverpool’s momentum, as David Moyes’ side head into the game in solid form after going unbeaten in their last three Premier League games.

Despite some shrewd moves in the transfer market, the Toffees are clear underdogs, winless in their last four visits to Anfield and failing to find the net on each occasion.

However, with optimism growing under Moyes, Everton can’t be completely written off, although they’ll need to summon something special to spring an upset. 

With Premier League Player of the Month Jack Grealish and the dangerous Iliman Ndiaye within their ranks, they may look to the counter-attack as their best route to causing problems at Anfield.

Liverpool’s early-season defensive lapses offer Everton some encouragement, but they’ll also need to stay solid at the back if they’re to have a chance.

Key talking point: Liverpool’s attack to deliver on a fiery occasion?

Liverpool’s new-look attack is still finding its rhythm. While the Reds sit among the Premier League’s joint-top scorers, Slot’s team haven’t been at their swashbuckling best.

Few title winners have made as many significant personnel changes as Liverpool have. It was therefore always going to take time for the Reds to gel.

Hugo Ekitike is the standout among Liverpool’s new signings, netting twice in four league games, but £116 million recruit Florian Wirtz is yet to find his feet in the Premier League. 

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Even talisman Mohamed Salah, the PFA Player of the Year, is struggling to find form this season having not scored from open play in the league yet. 

Following a British-record £125 million switch from Newcastle, Alexander Isak could make his long-awaited Premier League debut for the club after getting 58 minutes under his belt against Diego Simeone’s side on Wednesday.

Previous encounters between the two at Anfield haven’t always been filled with goals, though. In fact, the last six clashes have seen only two goals scored. 

However, after another late win over Atletico Madrid, Liverpool’s attacking players could now be ready to assert themselves in the league and steer Slot’s side to a more comfortable victory.

FIRST’s top tip for Liverpool vs Everton  

It’s hard to look past a home win here. As highlighted, a feast of goals seems unlikely though. 

Liverpool and over 1.5 goals - 7/10 with Ladbrokes

Extra tips 

While I think Liverpool will win the match, a much-improved Everton also scoring at Anfield for the first time in four games isn’t out of the question either. 

Both teams to score - 4/5 with Ladbrokes 

Mohamed Salah has scored eight goals against Everton over the years. Backing Liverpool’s Egyptian star to lead from the front is tempting. 

Mohamed Salah anytime scorer - 11/10 with Betway 

Cody Gakpo has cemented his spot on Liverpool’s left. The Dutchman to bag a goal in the derby offers good value.

Cody Gakpo anytime scorer  - 12/5 with Ladbrokes

Team news

Following Lesley Ugochukwu’s late red card in the Burnley game, he’ll be suspended. Alexis Mac Allister returned against Atletico Madrid and should be ready for the derby. 

Additionally, Jeremie Frimpong returned from a hamstring injury and should start. However, Curtis Jones is still missing. 

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As for Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite is out with a hamstring issue, while Vitaliy Mykolenko is doubtful after picking up a muscle injury.   

Liverpool vs Everton predicted line-ups: 

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak (4-2-3-1)

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Liverpool: LWWWLWWWWW 

Everton: LLLDLWWWWD

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Odds correct at the time of writing.