Berbatov predicts winner in ‘biggest derby for years’ ahead of Everton v Liverpool
Dimitar Berbatov has predicted that Everton will triumph in the first Merseyside derby of the season when the two city rivals meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Speaking to Metro, the former Manchester United striker said that he thinks the Toffees will triumph 2-1 when they play Liverpool, which would give Everton their first derby win in 10 years.
Berbatov said he thinks that Everton ‘can surprise’ the Reds when they meet on Saturday lunchtime and said that Carlo Ancelotti will know how to exploit the weaknesses Liverpool showed in their last Premier League outing.
He said, “It’s the biggest derby for years, I can’t wait for this game. Everton will be thinking of Leicester from a few years ago. The team, as I have said, are in love with Ancelotti, he has transformed them.
“Liverpool have their problems, and Everton will have seen the Villa game. Ancelotti will know how to exploit that weakness now, and I think Everton can surprise Liverpool on Saturday.”
Liverpool were embarrassed by Aston Villa two weeks ago, as the current champions were thrashed 7-2 at Villa Park with ex-Toffee Ross Barkley amongst the goals.
Ancelotti’s side will take confidence from Liverpool’s result as well as taking confidence from their own strong start to the season, which sees them sitting on top of the Premier League after four games.
The form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and new signing James Rodriguez have helped Everton to convincing wins over Tottenham, West Brom and Brighton and their form means they could head into the Merseyside derby as favourites.
It has now been ten years since the Toffees last beat their city rivals, but Saturday presents what could be their best chance to end a decade long derby hoodoo and bring city bragging rights back to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, Osman identifies where Everton need to improve to win derby.