Chris Sutton predicts Everton vs Liverpool result as Sean Dyche changes Merseyside derby landscape
Chris Sutton has predicted the Sean Dyche revival to continue with an Everton victory in the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.
The former Burnley boss has already defeated the league-leaders Arsenal in his first game in charge, a performance which impressed Sutton immensely, and he believes the cross-town rivals are next on the list.
Given it was Dyche who went to Anfield and ended Jurgen Klopp’s huge unbeaten run at home with the Clarets two seasons, Sutton has backed him to go there with Everton and take advantage of a very different Liverpool side again this time with a 2-1 win.
He said in his BBC Sport predictions column: “Liverpool’s atrocious form is one of the reasons this has been such a difficult season for making predictions – you used to be able to bank on them to win every game at Anfield, but not any more.
“Everton have also become a tough team to call. Their performance in the win over Arsenal last time out was incredible, and a massive improvement on what they had done before, but it was just one game under Sean Dyche.
“I have absolutely no idea whether they will sustain that level, while Liverpool have been so poor for so long now that we are at the stage where I am expecting them to play badly, rather than being surprised by it.
“Form normally goes out of the window in derby games, and Liverpool fans must be desperately hoping that is the case.
“Everton were well organised and had hunger and desire against Arsenal, and they also carried a threat – I think they will play with the same intensity again, and I am expecting them to score again too.
“Jurgen Klopp’s side will always be dangerous going forward too but, at this moment in time, based on Everton’s last performance and Liverpool’s performances over a long period of time, I have to back Dyche’s side – even at Anfield.
“I definitely wouldn’t have predicted Dyche’s victory on his last visit there, with Burnley in 2021 to end Liverpool’s 68-game home unbeaten run in the Premier League, but things are very different now.
“There is simply no reason to believe the Reds will suddenly turn the corner and start playing any better than they have been, so why would anyone back them to win this game?”
Comeback
Two wins from two, whoever they come against, would be a dream start to the Dyche era for Toffees fans, given the miserable run that ended Frank Lampard’s time in charge.
If they were to come against the team top of the Premier League and the nearest neighbours then it would be about as good a start as could be.
Liverpool are undoubtedly in disarray, and until the Arsenal win so were Everton, but nothing has changed at Anfield while Dyche has brought some belief back to this club.
It doesn’t guarantee a result by any means, but it certainly feels like the current circumstances give it a very good chance, as long as there is no lull after the high of last week.
A similar game plan and performance would likely be good for a draw at the very least, and a win could theoretically see Everton climb as high as 14th if other results go their way.
It is some time since the club was that far from the relegation zone so it would be a major relief for there to be a bit of breathing space for a week or so at least.