View: DCL back fit and firing – 3 things to look out for in Everton clash v Liverpool
Everton face Liverpool in the second Merseyside Derby of the season on Saturday evening as both sides look to end their respective losing runs.
The Toffees have lost their last two games in the Premier League, falling to defeat at the hands of Fulham and Manchester City, while Brighton, City and Leicester have seen the Reds lose their last three in domestic competition.
Everton last triumphed over their bitter rivals in the Premier League in October 2010, so there will be added pressure for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to perform and to bring their derby day hoodoo to an end.
With all that in mind, Goodison News have picked out three things to look out for in their big clash this weekend.
Calvert-Lewin back fit and firing
Having been unavailable for both of Everton’s recent Premier League losses, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s presence was sorely missed. Richarlison struggled to lead the line as effectively as DCL, and with the England international back and ready to play Everton will hope he doesn’t waste any time in getting back amongst the goals.
Injuries have ravaged Liverpool’s backline this season while goalkeeper Alisson is out of form, so the 23-year old will hopefully be licking his lips at the opportunity to torment the Reds’ makeshift side.
Allan return will provide strength
Allan is in line to make his comeback for Everton this weekend after having not played for the club since mid-December, and the Blues will be buoyed to have their midfield general back in action.
Liverpool are a side that like to overrun their opposition, keeping tempo high and maintaining possession of the ball for long stretches of time. Allan is naturally gifted at slowing down and breaking up play, so his return will hopefully allow Everton to gain a better foothold in the game.
Consistency, consistency, consistency
Though Liverpool have struggled in their last few league fixtures they aren’t without their qualities, and after the injury to Virgil van Dijk in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, the Reds will be well up for the game against the Blues.
As such, consistency will prove to be a valuable commodity should Everton find a way to wield it, particularly at the back where mistakes will inevitably lead to goals conceded. Jordan Pickford will need to be on the top of his game, and with Yerry Mina set to miss out the defensive reshuffling will need to pay off.
It’s much easier to write about consistency than to put it into practice, but Ancelotti will need to hope that his side can remain resolute in the face of pressure if they are to finally end the curse and come away with three points.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation that James Rodriguez could leave Everton in the summer.