"They can definitely make things difficult" - Chris Sutton makes score prediction for Everton vs Liverpool clash

BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to return to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Everton in their upcoming Premier League clash. However, he expects the Toffees to put up a tough fight at Goodison Park on Saturday, December 7.

Liverpool's impressive win streak came to an abrupt end on Wednesday when they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Newcastle United. Nevertheless, they remain at the summit of the league table with 35 points from 14 games and have a seven-point lead over second-placed Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche's Everton have struggled this season. They are languishing in 15th place with 14 points, just five points above the relegation zone. However, they recently secured an impressive 4-0 win against Wolves and will be more confident of causing an upset over their bitter rivals.

Sutton made his prediction, writing (via BBC Sport):

"Liverpool let victory slip away right at the end of their game with Newcastle on Wednesday, with Caoimhin Kelleher's mistake proving costly. But he has been excellent for them while Alisson has been out injured and I don't think a draw at St James' Park is a bad result."

He added:

"Everton come into this game in better form following their win over Wolves, which was a huge result for Toffees boss Sean Dyche after the run they were on. They can definitely make things difficult for Liverpool, and I suspect they will be fairly direct when they attack, but Arne Slot's side should have too much quality for them."

Sutton's Prediction: 2-1 win for Liverpool

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot reveals who will start in goal ahead of Everton clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start in goal ahead of Alisson Becker against Everton. The latter is expected to regain his starting spot at the end of the month and is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Kelleher has been outstanding in Alisson's absence in recent weeks, keeping six clean sheets in 12 appearances across competitions. He also saved two penalties during the Reds' wins over Southampton and Real Madrid.

However, Kelleher notably made an error by opting not to deal with the cross that led to Newcastle's leveler during their 3-3 draw earlier this week. Despite this, Slot said during the pre-match press conference (via Rousing the Kop):

“It was at 1-0 when Gomez made a mistake and he saved us in that moment, so maybe he saved us a point because 2-0 down it’s even harder. Unfortunately for Caoimhin in that position, if you make a mistake, it’s harder for others to cover up for you."

He added:

“We, as a team, could not help him but he is in a good place. He is disappointed as we dropped points from a winning situation like all the other but he will have confidence. Alisson is not ready yet but soon.”

Alisson has missed the Reds' last seven games across all competitions due to a hamstring injury.