Liverpool vs Everton

Anfield is the venue as eternal Premier League rivals Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head in the latest edition of the famous Merseyside derby.

October’s international break offered Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a fortnight to regroup his troops following an indifferent three-game stretch (W1, D1, L1). After winning five consecutive Premier League matches, the ‘Reds’ are winless in their last two (D1, L1), drawing 2-2 against Brighton on the stroke of the international window. Despite their slight dip in form, they’re still only three points adrift of the leading duo Arsenal and Tottenham, with the upcoming home return practically guaranteeing another success. Indeed, Klopp’s men have won all five competitive games at Anfield this season, notably netting precisely three goals on four occasions. They’ve also won their last two top-flight H2Hs as hosts via the same 2-0 scoreline, strengthening their outrageous home record in this fixture in the 21st century (W13, D9).

Meanwhile, Everton toppled fellow bottom-half strugglers Bournemouth 3-1 before the break, making it three wins in their last four competitive outings (L1). But their mini-revival doesn’t mean manager Sean Dyche is off the hook, as the ‘Toffees’ harbor a fragile three-point lead on 18th-placed Burnley ahead of the kick-off. Despite Everton’s long-standing struggles in this fixture, they can draw confidence from stringing together a four-game unbeaten streak on hostile turf (W3, D1) since a 4-0 demolition at the hands of Aston Villa in August. More importantly, Dyche’s side scored multiple goals in each of those four matches, increasing the likelihood of arresting a two-game scoring drought at Anfield. That run includes a 3-1 thrashing of Brentford, which gives Everton a chance to win back-to-back away league games for the first time since May 2021.