Liverpool vs Everton 2023: Are the Reds as Unstoppable as You Think?
After an eventful international break in Europe and South America, the Premier League will return on Saturday with the Merseyside derby, Liverpool vs Everton. While Jürgen Klopp is usually not a particularly big fan of this early kickoff, it may have come at the right time, as his squad at least ended something like a hoodoo by beating Wolves last month. To put into perspective, Liverpool has the most games scheduled for Saturday lunchtime, and they were winless in 6 prior to their 3-1 win away to Wolves.
Therefore, many see the Reds as heavy favourites coming into the first Liverpool vs Everton match this season. However, Everton is not too shabby themselves, even though they are currently 16th and 12 places behind the Kop.
3 Things to Know About the Upcoming Liverpool vs Everton Match
Team News
It was a mixed international break for the Liverpool players. For instance, Andy Robertson sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder during his game against Spain, whereas Darwin Núñez shined for Uruguay in their match against Brazil. While his recent form has been splendid, Klopp may drop Núñez in favour of the returning Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to line up with their star man, Mo Salah, upfront.
As for Everton, Sean Dyche can call upon the fit Dominic Calvert-Lewin again in this Liverpool vs Everton match ahead of the hardworking Beto. While Dele Alli, Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes are all still sidelined by injury, Dyche would be pleased to know that Idrissa Gueye is fit again after withdrawing the Senegalese from a suspected injury in their warm-up against Bournemouth.
Also Read: Mykhailo Mudryk Scores First-Ever Chelsea Goal Against Fulham in 2-0 West London Derby Triumph
Key Figures
Despite the recent impressive form of Darwin Núñez, the Egyptian King will be the key figure for the Reds ahead of this Liverpool vs Everton match. After scoring two goals against Brighton before the international break, Salah has contributed 9 goal involvements for Liverpool as he is now more team-oriented than he first joined. Moreover, Salah scored the opening goal at Anfield last season to extend his record to 5 goals in 9 matches in the Liverpool vs Everton fixture.
For the Toffees, anyone other than Abdoulaye Doucouré would be the wrong choice. The midfield general has sometimes single-handedly dragged Everton to a win this season and prevented Dyche from imminent sacking. The Mali international has three goals this season, and he would be the only player that could replace one of the current Liverpool midfield of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Jones.
While this inclusion may seem comical, Liverpool would feel thankful that none of the controversial refs will be in charge of this Liverpool vs Everton game. Craig Pawson will be the referee in charge of the match, and he has never sent a Liverpool player off despite refereeing 36 Liverpool games in his career. Moreover, the Reds have a good record under Pawson, with 25 wins.
Key Stats
The stats do not paint a good picture for Everton fans ahead of the first Liverpool vs Everton match this season. For example, the Toffees have only beaten Liverpool once in their last 28 meetings, with their one win behind closed doors in 2021. Moreover, Liverpool has won all five home games this season despite being on the back foot for most of the game.
However, Everton can take heart that Liverpool have not kept a clean sheet in their past four league games and themselves had scored in six of their past seven matches. While we may not predict the Toffees to leave with a positive result, they could grab a goal or two as Liverpool has kept only one clean sheet in eight top-flight matches so far this term and has conceded the opener in five of their last seven.
Where to Catch the Latest News of Liverpool vs Everton？
The return of the Premier League is welcoming after the long international, and the fact that Liverpool vs Everton commences off matchday 9 is even better. If you want to catch all the previews and news regarding this match, you can head to AsiaSport for the latest updates regarding Liverpool vs Everton and other matches. Moreover, to catch up on the action from the international, you can also look at their high-definition highlights like we provided here.
