Everton can ‘really hurt’ Liverpool despite ‘famously bad’ Merseyside Derby record
Everton can “really hurt” Liverpool from set-pieces in their Premier League clash on Saturday (21 October), according to journalist Tom Hancock.
That is despite the Toffees having a “famously bad” record against their fierce rivals in the Premier League era, Hancock added.
Anfield plays host to the encounter, with Liverpool currently fourth in the league table and Everton sitting in 16th place.
“Everton’s away record against Liverpool in the Premier League era is famously bad: the Toffees have won only three Merseyside derbies at Anfield since 1992 – and only one in the last 24 years,” Hancock wrote for the official Premier League website.
“Everton lead the division for goals scored from set-pieces this season, with five, and rank second for Expected Goals (xG) from set-pieces with, 4.33.
“This is where they could really hurt Liverpool on Saturday, because the Reds have been vulnerable from dead-ball scenarios during the early part of 2023/24.”
Shock incoming?
It really would be a shock if Everton pulled off a famous win at Anfield, but that is an unlikely scenario given the circumstances.
Their record in this feisty fixture speaks volumes, as does their form in the current campaign, with the Toffees sitting just above the relegation zone. That has been their story for some time now, with the men in blue constantly struggling in the top-flight.
Liverpool meanwhile look strong once again under Jurgen Klopp after their issues in recent times, with the Reds keen to get back into the Champions League as soon as possible.
Anfield will be boisterous for the encounter, with the home supporters keen to give the visitors a hostile reception.
Sean Dyche will find it hard to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool boss Klopp, but the former looks certain to target his opponents when it comes to set-pieces, which would definitely be a smart plan.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are eyeing a breakthrough with a brand new £35million transfer.