Liverpool fans are worried by Everton boss Rafael Benitez’s comments before the Merseyside derby this evening.
What’s the story?
Everton go into the game on woeful form, with Benitez coming under increasing pressure.
As a result the Spanish manager has already sent out a warning sign that his Everton side will look to up the physicality against Liverpool later today.
He said to the Daily Mirror: “It is to do what we have to do to get the three points. When you are in a bad run you need physicality.”
Now, these comments have not gone down well with Liverpool fans.
Reds supporters don’t have very fond memories of their last trip to Goodison Park.
On that occasion Liverpool’s players came away from the game battered and bruised, after a tumultuous encounter.
Both Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara picked up serious injuries in the contest.
And Benitez’s comments have not inspired confidence that they will be able to avoid problems tonight.
Cause for concern?
Liverpool’s season really was derailed due to their injury problems last season, as they only just scraped a top-four spot.
At the moment Jurgen Klopp’s side can boast almost a clean bill of health, so they will be desperate to avoid any problems this evening.
Everton can hardly be blamed for wanting to make the game a battle, though.
The Toffees simply cannot let Liverpool get into a flow in the contest, otherwise their defence could be exposed.
Everton actually go into the game on a seven match winless streak and another defeat could spell disaster for Benitez.
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