Lewis Jones predicts Everton clash against Liverpool
Lewis Jones has tipped Everton to suffer a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
The Sky Sports expert believes the Reds are clear favourites to pick up all three points given the contrasting forms of both teams, but he reckons Rafa Benitez can hurt his former side.
Liverpool have often used the offside trap to their advantage, but the Toffees can nullify it if they get their counter-attacks right and convert their chances.
Jones wrote in his column: “It’s hard to see how Everton can truly rattle Liverpool in this one. Jurgen Klopp’s team are masters at standing up to a physical confrontation so the Goodison Park factor should not play a part. The counter-attack could be their only ray of light but since the opening few weeks, even those kind of attacks have fallen flat.
“Away win, simple as. Although the offside trap is one of Liverpool’s strengths as it suffocates teams, it can also be their weakness – as shown perfectly by West Ham in their 3-2 victory.
“Rafa Benitez will be encouraging quick balls into space behind the Liverpool back four and will surely be picking Richarlison to lead the line. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 2-0 win at Anfield last season, latching onto a James Rodriguez through pass. That predicted method of attack makes the Everton offside lines very appealing.”
Hope?
Benitez will be up all night thinking of ways to get the better of Jurgen Klopp’s men, but can he trust his players to deliver the goods even if he comes up with the perfect tactics?
The Toffees have lost five of their last seven games, drawing the other two, and their woes could be compounded by the flying Liverpool attack.
Their Merseyside rivals have scored 39 goals in 13 games this term, averaging three per game, and stopping them will be a daunting task.
The Reds have shipped 11 goals, and if Everton can get their tactics and attacking intent right, they have a chance of scoring.
Not many are giving them a chance to even pick up a point in front of their fans, and Benitez needs to come up with several ways to get an answer.
Most of the supporters are already calling for his head, and a heavy loss against his former side will not do him any good amid the growing pressure on him.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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