Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Originally scheduled for 7 December, this Merseyside derby was postponed due to extreme weather conditions. Now, amid a congested fixture list, both teams come into the match off the back of defeats – something particularly rare for Liverpool.
Everton
Everton were supposed to be led by Sean Dyche in this fixture, but much has changed in two months. Now, David Moyes is in charge, and he is no stranger to Merseyside derbies. However, his record against Liverpool isn’t great – in his previous 11 years at the club, he won just six out of 42 derbies, with 10 ending in draws. Everton's most recent match ended in a FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth (2:0), courtesy of two defensive errors, including one that led to a penalty. Despite their struggles, Everton still sit outside the relegation zone, but they will need a major improvement to trouble their city rivals.
Liverpool
If Everton’s loss in the cup was understandable – Bournemouth are higher in the league – then Liverpool’s FA Cup elimination from Plymouth Argyle was a complete disaster. The Championship’s bottom side knocked them out with their only shot on target – a penalty in the 53rd minute. Liverpool dominated possession but only started playing at full intensity in the final minutes, where Plymouth Argyle’s goalkeeper produced two world-class saves to seal the shock victory (0:1).
Everton vs Liverpool Prediction
Now, Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back and restore pride, especially against their fiercest local rivals. Furthermore, with the title race heating up, securing these three points is crucial – a six-point gap with a game in hand is a massive advantage at this stage of the season.
