Paul Merson predicts result of Everton clash against Liverpool
Everton host Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday and will be looking to end their recent woeful run of form in the Premier League.
The Toffees are without a win in seven games, but Paul Merson does not see them pulling any surprises against the Reds, predicting a 3-0 defeat while previewing the game in his Sportskeeda column.
Liverpool have been one of the best teams in the land this season, and Rafa Benitez will be working day and night on his tactics in order to cause an upset.
Merson said: “I can honestly see only one winner here. If you’re an Everton fan, you’re probably hoping that this game doesn’t get out of hand. There’s only one way Everton can play this game – they’ll put 11 men behind the ball and play on the counter.
“I don’t think Everton have enough to hurt Liverpool at the moment. They’ve had huge injury issues in the Premier League this season and they’ll need to work hard to get a result here. The gap between the two Merseyside clubs is massive.
“I think what Diogo Jota’s done at Liverpool is brilliant. Roberto Firmino is usually the gel that binds the front three together, and I still think he’ll play the bigger games when he’s back. At the moment, however, I can’t talk highly enough of Jota. Liverpool have far too much quality for Everton and should be able to win this Premier League match.”
No chance?
The most optimistic of Toffees fans will be hoping for a draw against Liverpool, and that will be a huge result.
While Abdoulaye Doucoure is back, with Richarlison set to return to the attack after missing Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Brentford due to a suspension, the Blues still do not have enough in their ranks right now to challenge Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will most likely be missing due to injury, while Yerry Mina is also likely to be unavailable as his fitness woes continue.
The derby could spell the end of Benitez’s reign at Goodison Park if the result ends up being an embarrassing one, and the Spaniard has to come up with a plan to stop Liverpool’s devastating attack.
Nothing can be ruled out, and Everton still have a chance of getting something from this game.
A win is not on the cards, but it is possible if they get lucky and make the most of their goalscoring chances.
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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