Liverpool v Everton: Sam Allardyce predicts outcome of Merseyside derby live on talkSPORT
Sam Allardyce accepts that Liverpool are “certainly” the favourites to beat Everton, but says the Toffees have a chance of an upset at Anfield if various factors go their way.
Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park on Saturday (21 October) for the opening Merseyside derby of the Premier League campaign.
Sean Dyche’s side kickstarted their season with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth prior to the international break, but they are still down in 16th, 10 points behind Liverpool after eight matches.
Asked for his prediction, ex-Everton boss Allardyce told talkSPORT Breakfast [18 October, 08:14]: “I think certainly the big favourites will be Liverpool.
“I think Liverpool will have to have a slightly under-par day and Everton be on top form.
“Every chance Everton make, they need to try to convert into a goal. Defensively, they need to be at their very, very best. It’ll be a great watch.”
Hope
Everton ended a long wait for victory at Anfield in February 2021, but they have since lost back-to-back Premier League games there by the same 2-0 scoreline.
Indeed, that rare victory on enemy territory nearly three years ago now was the Toffees’ only win in this fixture in 28 attempts in all competitions, both home and away.
It is fair to say the travelling fans inside Anfield this coming weekend would take a draw if offered to them right now, but Dyche’s men do at least head into the match on the back of a positive result.
The performance against Bournemouth was surely the best of Dyche’s tenure to date, and it offers promise that Everton may just come away from Anfield with something to celebrate.
After all, as the famous footballing saying goes, it’s the hope that kills you.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are facing “severe consequences” after another 777 Partners twist emerged.