Liverpool vs Everton 03/12/18

03 December 2018

The 232nd Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton that will take place at Anfield this weekend will see Everton trying to end a disastrous 17-game winless streak against arch-rivals across all competitions.

On the eve of the city derby, Liverpool lost maybe their most significant match of the current campaign, as Paris Saint-German defeated the Reds 2-1 at Parc des Princes in midweek’s Champions League clash. A frustrating failure was Liverpool’s second in the last four games, as they also lost to Red Star Belgrade by two goals to nil. However, Jurgen Klopp’s players have clinched two straight Premier League triumphs, having outplayed Fulham and Watford, without conceding a goal. Apart from a scoreless draw with Man City and a 1-0 win over Brighton, the Reds have notched a minimum of two goals in all of their remaining four home matches. Not only they can boast an almost perfect home record, but Liverpool remain the only undefeated Premier League side along with Manchester City. With just five goals conceded in the opening 13 league games, Klopp’s players hold the joint-best defensive record in the English top flight.

Meanwhile, the visitors come into the encounter with big expectations following some promising recent displays. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches, as they have defeated Cardiff City and Brighton at home while being held to a scoreless draw to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Having struggled to find the right balance for the majority of the league campaign, the Blues currently sit sixth with a record of six wins, four draws, and three losses. However, just one of those six successes came on the road, as Everton only managed to beat Leicester City away from home, while they have lost twice and played out three draws in other five away meetings. Before a 0-0 draw with Chelsea, Marco Silva’s men have failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight matches on the road, conceding nine goals in the run. Everton have struggled to find the back of the net on just two occasions after 13 Premier League encounters while they have scored a minimum of two goals per match seven times in the process.

Provisional line-up – Liverpool:

Gk: Alisson Defense: Virgil van Dijk – Joe Gomez – Alexander-Arnold – Robertson Midfield: Milner – Shaqiri – Wijnaldum Attack: Salah – Mane – Firmino

Provisional line-up – Everton:

Gk: Pickford Defense: Mina – Keane – Coleman – Digne Midfield: Andre Gomes – Idrissa Gueye – Sigurdsson Attack: Bernard – Walcott – Richarlison