Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot saw his side drop points in midweek. — AFP
EVERTON will head into the Merseyside derby against Liverpool brimming with confidence after their 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek.
The victory, their first since defeating Ipswich Town in the middle of October, was much needed after a rough couple of months.
Considering that the Toffees did not even score a single goal throughout the entire month of November, the scoreline will definitely have come as much relief.
They have been in relegation battles over the past few seasons and could still be sucked into another, being just five points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town.
Hosting their high-flying neighbours this weekend, Everton will still have much to do to prove they can put together a good run of results to stay in the Premier League.
Against Liverpool, the Toffees’ boss Sean Dyche will have a good squad to choose from, with only injuries suffered by their fringe players.
There should also not be many changes to the lineup that beat Wolves, in order to maintain consistency.
As for Liverpool, they will have to pick themselves up after the gruelling 3-3 draw to Newcastle United midweek.
It was a fair result given the way Liverpool performed and how the Magpies fought so gallantly throughout the 90 minutes.
Against Everton, Arne Slot is expected to make some changes to his lineup that started against Newcastle.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was on the bench, could be recalled to the side to replace Jarell Quansah at right back.
With Alexis Mac Allister suspended for one match, having picked up his fifth yellow card in midweek, Dominik Szoboszlai looks set to start alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones in midfield.
The front three should comprise Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool’s defence will be pushed to their limits, as there are only five senior defenders available and seven matches in all competitions to play this month.
Slot must ensure that his players are prepared to go again, starting with Everton, and not let the midweek result affect them.
The Reds are currently seven points clear of second-placed Chelsea, but the situation could change dramatically if they lose or draw to Everton.
As with any derby match, it is set to be a fiery affair, and the stakes considerably high as one fights to stay at the top of the league while the other fights to stay clear of the bottom.
