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Michael Owen: DCL will be licking his lips for Everton clash v Liverpool
Michael Owen claims Everton are having a fantastic season in the Premier League and they’ll improve their recent form in the Merseyside derby.
The Toffees have lost three of their last five league matches but are sat seventh in the table. A win against rivals Liverpool on Saturday will see them move level on points with a game in hand on their rivals.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, former Reds striker Owen hinted that Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be the difference between the sides.
He said: “If you said to Everton fans you’ll be fighting it out for Champions League places at this stage of the season they wouldn’t believe it.
“It’s been a fantastic season so far, they’ve gone in real waves haven’t they. Started the season brilliantly, had a real lull, another great run, in a bit of a lull at the moment, especially at home.
“But there’s nothing like the derby to perk you up a little bit. And if Calvert-Lewin does play, of course, centre half is Liverpool’s soft point at the moment. He’ll be licking his lips as well.
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“He’s a proper player and they’ll be desperate to get him onto the pitch.”
A huge clash
In fairness, most sides facing Manchester City this season can see it as a free hit. They’re flying high with a ten-point gap at the top of the table, and don’t look like being caught.
Everton actually played well against the league leaders, despite the inconsistencies as of late. A win on Saturday will see them pull level with Liverpool with a game in had on them. There’s an opportunity to go three points clear in the race for Europe, should they win Saturday, first.
Calvert-Lewin could well prove to be the difference should he play. The number nine has scored 37% of the Toffees league goals this season. That’s despite spending a few periods on the sidelines.
He will look to capitalise on the reds’ defensive woes, which have contributed massively to them losing three on the spin.
Ancelotti’s side could also be boosted by the return of Brazillian midfielder, Allan. He’s been missing from the squad since the clash with Leicester City on December 16th.
In other Everton news, many fans reacted to Richarlison’s flukey goal against Manchester City.