After their lucky escape in their match against Newcastle, Liverpool makes the brief trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Reds will hope to keep their winning form intact as they take on their cross-town rivals. Jurgen Klopp’s side will not only take confidence from their last-gasp win versus Newcastle, they have an incredible record against the Toffees as well. In their last 23 league fixtures against each other, Liverpool has lost just one – a 2-0 defeat in February 2021.
If you look at just fixtures that have taken place at Goodison Park, the Reds undefeated streak stretches all the way back to 2010. Anyway, you slice it, Frank Lampard and his men face an uphill battle when the two sides clash in the early kick off.
Liverpool at Everton FYIs
Kick-off: Saturday, September 3 at 12.30pm local, Goodison Park
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Google Result Probability: Everton victory 13% Draw 19% Liverpool victory 68%
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Team News
Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will definitely miss this fixture.
Forward Diogo Jota is a chance to return from his injury lay off, however. Prior to the Newcastle match, Jurgen Klopp confirmed the Portuguese was a chance to return to training this week. If he makes the team sheet, it’ll likely be on the bench.
Jordan Henderson went off against the Magpies with a hamstring injury. It’ll be touch and go right until kick off whether or not he plays against Everton.
Darwin Nunez returns from suspension.
Starting XI Prediction
It is hard to see Jürgen Klopp making any significant changes, not because he doesn’t want to, but because his options are thin.
I don’t think the back four changes, much the same as the goalkeeper. That means Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez form the basis of the defense. Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson continue as full backs too.
Fabinho anchors the three-man midfield. James Milner slots in Jordan Henderson’s place and Harvey Elliot continues on the right-hand side of the midfield. Elliot has been arguably the Reds best player so far this season.
Mo Salah and Luis Diaz start on the right and left of attack, respectively. Roberto Firmino’s terrific form in the last couple of matches sees him start ahead of record signing Darwin Nunez, who is eligible once again following his suspension.
New signing Arthur Melo will probably find a place on the bench.
Stueys Two Cents
Nothing has been straightforward for the Reds this season. Matches, you expect them to be up for, they have been decidedly flat. On the other end of the spectrum, matches you think they might suffer a lull in – they score nine goals. I honestly do not know what to expect. What I know is that the Reds must win. Lose and not only will it damage their fledgling title hopes, but it’ll also be a massive knock on their confidence.
I am going for Liverpool, but I am not confident. Liverpool 1-0
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.