BBC journalist makes ‘dramatic’ admission ahead of Everton v Liverpool, shares ‘genuine contenders’ verdict
Merseyside derbies have a long history of providing dramatic moments and the clash between Everton and Liverpool on Saturday (21 October) is likely to be the same, according to Mike Hughes.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday (18 October), the BBC Radio Merseyside journalist said Jurgen Klopp’s new-look Reds side are “genuine contenders” to win the Premier League this season ahead of the clash at Anfield.
But he added that Sean Dyche “knows what’s at stake” and suggested that, although the self-belief amongst the Toffees players will have risen on the back of the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, they still have a “long way to go” before they can be successful at this level.
“The new-look Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp has assembled have found their feet much more quickly than anticipated and have the ability and squad depth that makes them genuine contenders for silverware this season,” said Hughes. “The Reds’ manager has found the key to re-energising the team, that have re-discovered the route to the type of high octane football, that can at times steamroller opposing teams.
“Sean Dyche knows what’s at stake and much of his pre-match preparation will focus on a demand that all of the players have to make things happen. They can’t wait for their teammates to do it. They have to compete at every action point for the full 90 minutes.
“The levels of self-belief amongst the players will have been heightened, but they only have to look back to the Luton game to realise, they have a long, long way to go before they achieve the levels of consistency required to be successful at the Premier League level.
“Merseyside derbies have a long history of providing dramatic moments and this weekend’s meeting at Anfield is very likely to be the same.”
Take their chances
It is no doubt going to be a difficult game for Everton to get anything from as their form at Anfield over the years hasn’t been too great.
Liverpool had a strong start to the season, but they dropped off a little bit before the international break following a defeat to Tottenham and a draw with Brighton.
Although the Reds have looked good going forward, they have been shaky at the back at times, meaning the Toffees could get a few chances at Anfield.
The most frustrating aspect for the Blues so far this season has been that they haven’t been able to put away their opportunities in front of goal when they have come along.
That is something that will certainly have to improve against their city rivals if they want to get anything out of the game and continue pushing up the Premier League table.
In other Everton news, Conor Coady has shared what the club needs moving forward.