There has been a narrative building lately, one that deems Everton FC as the “favorite” in the Merseyside Derby on Monday night. And if you’re a Liverpool supporter, I’m sure you’re saying to yourself: “seriously? Is that what it has come to now? Really?”
Yes, apparently, a lot of world football pundits believe in the metaphorical new manager bounce, and the work of Sean Dyche. The early returns, one whole game, would back that up, but we’ll see.
Liverpool vs Everton FYIs
Kick-off: Monday February 13 8pm local, Anfield
Liverpool Starting XI Prediction: go here
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Everton victory 15% Draw 21% Liverpool victory 64%
PL Form: Everton WLLLD Liverpool LDLLW
PL Standing: Everton 18th 18 pts Liverpool 10th, 29 pts
Merseyside Derby Team News
The Toffees are invigorated, to be sure, but they still have to contend with a whole host of injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) is right at the top of the list, and he’s a doubt for this one. Michael Keane (knee) faces a last minute fitness test as well. The blue side of Liverpool has three confirmed absentees as well in James Garner (back), Nathan Patterson (knee) and Andros Townsend (knee).
Flipping over to the Reds, well, the 2022-23 season has seen no shortage of injury concerns, with Virgil van Dijk (thigh), Roberto Firmino (calf), Ibrahima Konate (hamstring), Luis Diaz (knee), Diogo Jota (thigh) and Arthur Melo (thigh) still on the sidelines for this one.
Meanwhile Fabinho (illness) will be a match day decision, probably.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.