Liverpool vs Everton
The Premier League has witnessed some memorable Merseyside derbies over the years.
Only problem is, if you are an Everton fan, they have been mainly been memorable for those of a red persuasion.
Particularly over the past decade as you have to go back to 2010 for the last time the Toffees defeated their city rivals.
More Liverpool Premier League highlights are expected on Saturday too or can the visitors spring a surprise and move level on points with the reigning champions?
Talking Points
Following three successive league defeats, Jurgen Klopp’s side bounced back in midweek with a success which puts them on the brink of a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
It was a match which pleased the German boss who praised his team’s mentality after being beaten by Brighton, Manchester City and Leicester in quick succession.
Twenty-four hours after that, Everton were facing the side which is overwhelming favourites to wrestle back the Premier League crown this term.
In fact, Manchester City are disappearing from sight at the summit after their seventh straight win in all competitions.
Post-match, Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said it was almost impossible for his team to compete with the quality of the league leaders so why would he expect a visit to the title winners to be any different?
Certainly, after their surprise defeat at home to lowly Fulham three days earlier, another setback would complete a miserable seven days for the blue half of Merseyside.
If they are to end their awful run at Anfield, they will likely need Dominic Calvert-Lewin to return from a hamstring injury (a big ask given he only sustained the injury a week ago) and James Rodriguez, who came off the bench in midweek.
Both were key players in the drawn derby at Goodison Park earlier this term.
Liverpool felt aggrieved after being denied a late winner in that game in October and were already unhappy at what was a reckless – although totally accidental challenge – which caused a likely season-ending injury to Virgil van Dijk.
I suspect that will mean they are extra determined to win this return fixture as a result.
They will also be keen to avenge a home record which was brilliant until recently, yet it is now more than two months since they won a game on home turf. You have to go back to 1923 for the only previous time Liverpool lost four consecutive home league games in any division.
Everton themselves were the last reigning top-flight champion to suffer that fate way back in 1928-29, which gives a stark illustration of just how poor Liverpool’s recent home form has been.
With one win in six in the league, few will fancy Everton to take points off their neighbours for the second time four months.
But there again, Everton have amassed 17 points from a possible 21 in a seven-game run that stretches back to the beginning of November and this is a derby!
History
It is a rich and illustrious history which captures the imagination whether you’re a ‘blue’ or a ‘red’.
Liverpool have traditionally held the upper hand with 120 wins to Everton’s 82. There have also been 85 draws.
You have to go back to October 2010 for the last time Everton won the Merseyside derby. That afternoon, goals from fans’ favourite Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta sealed a 2-0 success at a raucous Goodison Park.
The only survivors from that afternoon all belong to Everton with Seamus Coleman expected to be involved this weekend.
Since then, they have met on 22 occasions (16 in the league and twice in the FA Cup) with Liverpool winning 10 times and 12 meetings ending all square.
The meeting earlier this season was a thrilling 2-2 draw as Everton twice fought back to earn a point.
Betting Tip
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Liverpool vs Everton | Double Chance Everton or Draw @ 2.54 |
| February 21, 01:30 (GMT+8) |
Liverpool are overwhelming favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.
You can back the hosts 1X2 @ 1.48 and Asian Handicap – 1.50 @ 2.40. For another draw, the odds 1X2 are @ 4.10 with Everton available to back 1X2 @ 6.80 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.19.
That is far adrift and Ancelotti’s men would love nothing more than to prove the doubters wrong.
For goals, over 3.25 goals will pay out @ 2.38, total goal 2-3 @ 2.05 and total goal 4-6 @ 2.87.
I doubt Everton will have enough to end their hoodoo, but they may claim a point.
| A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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