The Merseyside derby is almost upon us and, for the first time in ages, Everton will go into the game on Saturday (17 October) believing they’re favourites. The Toffees have started the season brilliantly, winning each of the seven games they have played in all competitions.
Everton are currently top of the table thanks to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has had a stunning summer transfer window and his new signings have been integral to the team’s early-season success.
James Rodriguez has been Everton’s best player, while Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan have been excellent too. The Toffees are as confident as they could possibly be and, considering where Liverpool are, it might be their best chance to win for a while.
The Reds were hammered 7-2 by Aston Villa just before the international break. It’s never easy to get such a bad defeat out of your mind, which could give Everton an edge going into the game this weekend.
However, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy feels the Reds are like a “wounded animal”, and has urged Everton to beware of Jurgen Clop’s side, who will see three key players return.
‘Liverpool are a wounded animal’
Murphy wrote in the Daily Mail: “For the first time for many years, the blue half of the city will understandably go into the game expecting to win. But, in football, you are best to be careful, particularly given a team as good as this Liverpool.
“If I was in the blue dressing room, I would say beware of the wounded animal – particularly as Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara should be alright to return.”
Liverpool were humiliated by Aston Villa before the break and Klopp won’t have been happy.
However, Liverpool have shown over the past two years that on their day they are capable of beating any side in the world. Everton are certainly in a good position right now going into the game but, against the defending Premier League champions, they will have to be at their absolute best to gain bragging rights in the under-pressure city.
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