Paul Merson makes Merseyside derby prediction, tips Everton to survive relegation
Everton will put up more of a fight against Liverpool than Manchester United did, and can still avoid relegation according to Paul Merson.
The Toffees head to Anfield on Sunday currently sitting one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining, after Liverpool battered Man United 4-0 in midweek.
Merson described the United performance as ’embarrassing’ in his Daily Star column and says Frank Lampard’s side will ‘fight’ and ‘give everything’ during the game and while he thinks they’ll lose, he thinks they could still avoid the drop.
“Everton will put up more of a fight at Anfield this weekend than Manchester United did,” he said.
“United were cringeworthy against Liverpool and it became embarrassing to watch. I dread to think how many caps those players have got between them. And to play like that? Embarrassing.
“Everton won’t win there either. But they will play. They will fight. They will give everything. I’d be shocked if they didn’t. But with United nothing shocks you any more. It was like United’s players were just hoping to get that game out of the way as quickly as possible.
“Everton won’t be like that. They will have a go. They’ve got to.
“Richarlison’s late equaliser against Leicester was massive going into the Mersey Derby. And they will work their socks off against Liverpool. I think Everton can still stay up now. They’ve got every chance of getting out of it.
“And unless you’re a Liverpool fan, nobody wants Everton to get relegated, surely? I wouldn’t. It’s a great club. Always in the top flight. Always puts up a fight.”
Fight
Even if Everton weren’t in the situation that they’re in when it comes to the league table, fans would expect nothing less in the Merseyside derby from the squad.
The game is about local pride and bragging rights as much as it is about points, and while the Toffees have severely struggled this season and have barely got a puncher’s chance in the game it’s about the commitment and performance.
If Everton get beaten 4-0 but it’s clear they are giving everything and Liverpool are just better, then fans can accept that and look for the positives.
If however they turn up and look unbothered and just show no fight at all then the fans will let them know about it, because that’s unacceptable at the best of times.
Merson is right, the team have got no choice but to be better than Man United were at Anfield and if they give a good performance, confidence will grow about their survival hopes.
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