The longest-running top-flight derby is back to adding a new chapter in its history book. A rivalry that holds a series of classical encounters which has been played continuously since the 1962-63 season. The Merseyside derby for this season is going to hold a special place in the heart of both sides. Rafa Benitez an ex Liverpool manager created a lot of controversies as he began his latest stint with Everton. His first encounter in the Goodison Park against his former side will surely create a row on and off the pitch. Jurgen Klopp with his heavy metal football will look forward to ruling the show after a defeat at Anfield last season. It will be a battle of tactics between the managers as well as the players. Everton may not play expansive football. Their reliance on the counter-attack with Demari Gray and Andros Townsend on either flank will be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s defence. For the Reds, the trio of Salah, Mane and Jota will lead their attack against an unreliable defence.
Team News :
Dominic Calvert Lewin, Yerry Mina and Tom Davies are set to miss out on this derby due to injuries. Dominic Calvert Lewin has hardly featured this season due to an injury in the quadriceps. The Columbian defender continues to suffer from a hamstring injury while Tom Davies has an issue in his knee. Mason Holgate is serving a three-match ban after his red card against Tottenham.
For Liverpool Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Naby Keita, Firmino, Gomez and Jones are getting closer to recovery. They are closer but still not ready.
Predicted Line-up :
Everton 4-5-1
(GK) J. Pickford
(LB) L. Digne
(CB) M. Keane
(CB) B. Godfrey
(RB) S. Coleman
(CM) A. Doucoure
(CM) Allan
(CM) A. Gordon
(LM) A. Townsend
(RM) A. Gray
(ST) S. Rondon
Liverpool 4-3-3
(GK) Alisson
(LB) A. Robertson
(CB) V.V. Dijk
(CB) J. Matip
(RB) T.A. Arnold
(CM) Thiago
(CM) J.Henderson
(CDM) Fabinho
(LW) S. Mane
(ST) D. Jota
(RW) M. Salah
Match Prediction :
Liverpool should walk out victorious but they may have to dig deeper than usual. In a Merseyside derby, Everton’s form remains out of contention. Everton always manages to produce the best quality of football against their bitter rivals. Rafa Benitez has everything he needs at his disposal to stand victorious after the final whistle blows. Everton may lack their attacking sharpness due to the absence of D.C.L but the likes of Demari Gray and Townsend will put pressure on Liverpool’s defensive shape as one of them may drop in the middle from time to time. Liverpool is expected to enjoy the majority of possession but in the end, it will depend on their ability to utilise their possession and force out mistakes from Everton. It will be a tough game for both teams on a chilly night at Goodison Park.
Fans can tune in to Hotstar on 2nd December 2021 at 1:45 am IST to enjoy this encounter.
