Mark Lawrenson predicts Liverpool v Everton result in ‘manic’ Merseyside Derby
Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Everton won’t have enough to avoid defeat in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday (24 April).
A trip to Jurgen Klopp’s title chasers is a tough prospect for any side currently, and long-time Liverpool man Lawrenson is expecting a 2-0 win for his former team.
The Reds are currently a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table, while Burnley’s win over Southampton last night (21 April) has put them the same distance behind the Toffees in the relegation battle.
Lawrenson said on BBC Sport: “It’s a derby, so this will be absolutely manic. The game will start at 100 miles per hour and the tackles will be flying in, they always are.
“But, whatever the scenario and however hard they work, any away team at Anfield needs some quality to get anything from the game.
“Everton have shown some signs of improvement in their past two games but, defensively, I still don’t think they have what it takes to keep Liverpool out.
“There are 47 points separating the two teams in the table, which illustrates the current gulf in class.”
Daunting
Nobody is coming away from Anfield with anything at the moment, with the Merseyside rivals in top form as they chase Premier League and Champions League trophies.
Frank Lampard has actually managed to cobble together a two-game unbeaten run, but barring a major surprise that likely won’t mean much on Sunday.
Richarlison’s injury-time equaliser against Leicester in midweek rescued a crucial point from a scrappy display, following on from the impressive win over Manchester United.
But the Burnley result keeps the pressure well and truly on, and although the Toffees have a game in hand, it is at one of the form sides in Europe.
The defence has improved of late from the miserable run of a few weeks ago, but the upcoming opponents put four past their other rivals United without breaking much of a sweat in their previous outing.
A positive result isn’t impossible but it will take the performance of the season from Lampard’s men.
If that doesn’t arrive, fans will have to hope that the damage is not so severe it affects subsequent matches.
In other Everton news, a “really good” teenage talent at the club could be set to leave for a Premier League rival.
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