Liverpool look to continue their new found form under Jurgen Klopp, as they take on a crisis-ridden Everton side, in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
Everton step into the game with great unrest amongst fans who have been completely disillusioned with the season so far. Roberto Martinez faces a big test at Anfield as suggestions arise that his future may be at stake in this game.
Jurgen Klopp on the other hand, couldn’t be happier with his team pulling out one good result after the other since their draw at Tottenham a while ago.
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Kick-off and Live Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 2
Date and Time: 21 April 2016, 12.15 AM IST
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Live Stream: Starsports.com
Betting Odds: Liverpool: 7/10; Draw: 16/5; Everton: 4/1 via Bet365
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool continue to be without their preferred midfield of Jordan Henderson and Emre Can both of whom could possibly be out for the season. Kolo Toure could miss out after coming off injured in their last game against Bournemouth.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to reinstate a number of players to the starting line-up after rotating his squad in the last game.
Everton
Leighton Baines, Aaron Lennon, Phil Jagielka and Tom Cleverly are all major doubts for the game. Teenager Callum Connolly might get his first taste of the Merseyside Derby at Anfield after injuries ruled out Seamus Coleman, Tyrias Browning as well as Tony Hibbert. James McCarthy should start on the night.
Probable Line-ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Lucas, Allen; Milner, Lallana, Coutinho; Sturridge
Everton (4-2-3-1): Robles; Connolly, Stones, Mori, Oviedo; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku
Form
Liverpool
Liverpool have not lost a game in their last five matches across all competitions. Their visit to Bournemouth saw them winning 1-2. During this time, they’ve also won against Borussia Dortmund and Stoke and drawn with Dortmund away and Tottenham at Anfield.
Last 5 Matches: D-D-W-W-W (Last Match: Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool)
Everton
Everton lie 11th in the Premier League table and step into Anfield without a win in their last 5 games. Draws against Southampton, Crystal Palace and Watford were preceded by losses to Manchester United and Arsenal. However, these are games where form counts for little with momentum being created by the energy and excitement inside the stadium.
Last 5 Matches: L-L-D-D-D ( Last match: Everton 1-1 Southampton)
Key Stats:
- Liverpool have drawn 6 of their last 7 matches against Everton in all competitions.
- Everton have drawn their last three matches.
- There has been an average of over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Liverpool’s last 8 games.
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 8 games.
Key Battles:
Daniel Sturridge vs John Stones
John Stones has been having a torrid time this season with his defensive ability, which was so comprehensively hailed at the close of last season, not being up to the mark.
The defender though has a reasonable record against Liverpool but on the night, he faces a fired up Daniel Sturridge who seems riled up enough to want to show his very best every time he is given a chance.
Jurgen Klopp has had to endure the worst of Sturridge, with injuries plaguing the England International for most of the season. However, with the forward now fighting fit, Sturridge could look to drive the message further across that he is indeed Liverpool’s best player.
Romelu Lukaku vs Mamadou Sakho
Forever the bane of Liverpool’s existence, Romelu Lukaku had a blistering start to the season and has been able to back up the form with important goals here and there. A couple in the Merseyside Derby wouldn’t go out of place either.
Up against the behemoth of a Belgian is Mamadou Sakho who has been undergoing a mini revival under Klopp. Sakho has been imperious of late with only the odd performance stinking of a man under pressure. However, the defender has the physical ability to stop anyone on his day.
A lot of how this derby goes will depend on how Sakho faces up to Lukaku. With both physical units in some form, this could be a tasty battle for the neutral.
Prediction
As much as Everton have the odd tendency of coming up with results when under pressure, this could be a game too big for them to perform. Liverpool, at Anfield, have proven to be irresistible and a high-scoring game is expected.
Liverpool 3-1 Everton
