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Michael Owen predicts result of Everton clash against Liverpool
Everton host Liverpool on Wednesday night at Goodison Park, and Michael Owen has predicted a hard-fought win for the Reds.
Writing in his BetVictor column while previewing the clash, the former England international striker reckons a 2-1 win could be on the cards for Jurgen Klopp’s men despite the Toffees’ poor form.
Everton are without a win in their last seven league games, drawing only twice, and they will need to be in top gear at both ends of the pitch to have a chance of getting a result.
Owen said: “The Merseyside Derby returns with Liverpool aiming to get revenge after Everton’s triumph at Anfield earlier this year.
“That was in the middle of a bad period for the Reds, and now with Virgil Van Dijk back fit along with a return to top form from Trent Alexander-Arnold, this should be a lot tougher for the visitors.
“The Reds can’t stop scoring at the moment, and if Messrs. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are in the mood, I think they’ll notch up another victory.”
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Shock likely?
Liverpool have lost to West Ham and drawn four times so far this campaign, proving that they are not without their own weaknesses.
With Yerry Mina and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ruled out of the clash, the Blues have their work cut out for them in attack and the back, but ruling their chances of at least getting a draw from this game out could be a mistake.
The derby is a different game entirely, and if the Goodison crowd can support their players, just anything is possible on Wednesday.
Rafa Benitez will approach the game pragmatically, and if his players can keep Liverpool out and make the most of their counter-attacks, a shock could be in store for their bitter city rivals.
It will take a lot from Everton to stop a Reds attack that have averaged three goals per league game this term, though, but nothing can be ruled out.
The Toffees need to turn their fortunes around, and while many will bet against them to do it against one of the title contenders, Benitez and his men could have other plans.
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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