Liverpool meet Everton in the third round of the FA Cup less than a month since the Merseyside rivals last met.
In what is arguably the tie of the round, the two Merseyside rivals have been drawn against each other less than a month after they met in the Premier League. On that occasion, a late Wayne Rooney penalty saw the Toffees secure a share of the points after Salah’s fantastic opener.
Nicholas has seemingly suggested that Sam Allardyce will not make the cup game as great a priority and will thus, make a number of changes for the game against the Reds, and that should allow Jurgen Klopp’s side to book their ticket to the next round.
“However, Sam Allardyce will make changes and I think, other than his two key men missing, Jurgen Klopp will play a strong side so I don’t see the match panning out the same.”
While the Premier League may be the priority for Everton, the Goodison Park faithful will surely not be particularly pleased if Big Sam’s team selection gives off the impression that he is not too concerned about the competition and has his attention fixed elsewhere.
Everton’s relegation concerns have largely been alleviated since Allardyce came in. Getting into Europe may perhaps be the priority for the Toffees, but the bragging rights on Merseyside will undoubtedly be hugely important to the supporters, as will keeping their hopes of winning the competition for a sixth time alive.
Liverpool meanwhile, go into the game off the back of three successive victories, and would perhaps be forgiven – more than Everton, at least – for giving the FA Cup slightly less attention as they battle to try and secure a top four spot in the top flight.
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