The English Premier League presents a thrilling Merseyside Derby as Everton hosts Liverpool at Goodison Park on Thursday, December 7th, 2024, at 6:30 PM (GMT). Everton, under Sean Dyche, will look to capitalize on their home advantage and secure an upset against their formidable rivals. On the other hand, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool will aim to maintain
their strong form and continue their push for the Premier League title.
Everton vs Liverpool Form Guide
Everton
Everton has shown moments of promise this season, with strengths in aerial duels and shooting from direct free kicks. Players like Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been vital in creating and finishing chances. However, their struggles with keeping possession, avoiding offside, and defending against skillful players could be major vulnerabilities against a team of Liverpool’s caliber.
Liverpool
Liverpool has been a dominant force this season, excelling in counter-attacks and finishing scoring chances. Mohamed Salah continues to lead their charge with an impressive goal tally, while Cody Gakpo has also contributed significantly. With a possession-based style and a strong defensive setup, Liverpool will look to control the game from start to finish.
Everton vs Liverpool Key Battles
Dwight McNeil vs Mohamed Salah
Dwight McNeil, Everton’s top scorer with three goals, will need to step up against a Liverpool defense known for its resilience. On the other hand, Salah, with 11 goals this season, remains Liverpool’s primary attacking threat and could exploit any gaps in Everton’s backline.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Cody Gakpo
Both players have contributed three goals and assists combined this season. Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess will be crucial for Everton, while Gakpo’s ability to create and finish chances adds another layer of danger to Liverpool’s attack.
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Everton vs Liverpool Tactical Outlook
Everton’s tactical approach is expected to rely on long balls, crosses, and attacking down the right flank. They may look to take plenty of shots and capitalize on set-pieces to challenge Liverpool’s defense. Dyche will likely emphasize a compact and disciplined defensive setup to contain Liverpool’s dynamic attack.
Liverpool will aim to dominate possession with short passes and incisive through balls. Klopp’s side is known for their relentless pressing and fluid attacking play, often utilizing the left flank. They will likely rotate their squad to ensure freshness, but their attacking depth ensures they remain a potent threat.
Everton vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Encounters
The current head-to-head record favors Liverpool with 15 wins, compared to Everton’s three wins, and 13 matches ending in draws. Liverpool enters the game as the clear favorites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.45 for a Liverpool win, 4.75 for a draw, and 6.25 for an Everton victory.
Injury News and Suspensions
Everton
Everton is managing a series of injuries as they approach the latter part of the year. Armando Broja remains doubtful due to an Achilles tendon injury. James Garner is out with a muscle injury until mid-December 2024, while Tim Iroegbunam and Youssef Chermiti are sidelined with leg and foot injuries, respectively, both expected to return by late December 2024.
Liverpool
Liverpool, meanwhile, has several players recovering from various setbacks. Alisson Becker is dealing with a hamstring injury but is only expected to be out for a few days. Conor Bradley, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa are all doubtful due to hamstring, rib, and physical discomfort injuries, respectively. Ibrahima Konaté is recovering from a knee injury and is
out until late December 2024, while Konstantinos Tsimikas is managing an ankle injury and is expected to return by mid-December 2024.
Everton vs Liverpool Possible Playing Squad
Everton
Pickford (GK), Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Patterson, Mangala, Doucouré, Ndiaye, McNeil, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin
Liverpool
Kelleher (GK), Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Gakpo, Salah, Núñez
Match Details at a Glance
Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Everton vs Liverpool | Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 6.30 PM (GMT) | Premier League | Goodison Park |
Match Prediction
Despite Everton’s determination and home advantage, Liverpool’s attacking firepower and tactical discipline are likely to prove decisive. Everton may struggle to cope with Liverpool’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
Score Prediction
In the highly anticipated Merseyside Derby, Liverpool is expected to come out on top with a dominant 3-0 victory over Everton. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez are tipped to be the standout performers, with their attacking prowess likely to seal a comfortable win for the Reds, further cementing their superiority in this fierce local rivalry.