Steve McManaman predicts result of Everton clash v Liverpool, shares what Sean Dyche must do to cause an ‘upset’
Steve McManaman believes Everton may feel they have an “opportunity” to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday despite Jurgen Klopp’s men being strong favourites.
The former Reds player and pundit, speaking exclusively to Liverpool ECHO (21 October), believes that Liverpool’s returning South American contingent and Andy Robertson’s injury could provide Sean Dyche’s men with the encouragement to get a result.
McManaman expects Jurgen Klopp’s side to win but begs the question of whether the Toffees can be “defensively strong” and break on the counterattack whilst also being dangerous on set-pieces which may be their biggest chance of winning.
He said: “There are a number of different factors tomorrow with this match because an international week could have led to injuries we don’t know about yet other than Andy Robertson missing out.
“If you asked 100 fans who aren’t Liverpool or Everton fans I think they would suggest Liverpool will win. They are favourites, they are at home and they are expected to win.
“There are a few reasons why Everton may feel they have an opportunity. Liverpool have four South American players who have done a lot of travelling, Andy Robertson is out injured and Everton will know these factors. It’s whether they can use it to their advantage to gain a march.
“Liverpool will dominate possession, it’s whether Everton can break and counter-attack and can they stay defensively strong? They can do something on set-pieces to try and upset Liverpool.”
Optimism
Everton supporters have become accustomed to coming away from this fixture disappointed in recent Premier League seasons, especially at Anfield.
The Toffees’ only victory on enemy soil since the turn of the millennium came in February 2021 which came during the lockdown season with no fans present, under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian is known for his big-game experience and that win may not have been a surprise to those around Everton after Liverpool’s shoddy form then, but the question can Dyche conjure up something similar?
Liverpool are unbeaten at home in 15 Premier League games in a run stretching back almost exactly a year, when Leeds United came away with a 2-1 victory and records are there to be broken.
A win on Saturday may just be the biggest surprise in a Merseyside derby yet and despite their poor record across Stanley Park, Everton have reasons to be optimistic and should not approach this game with any sort of fear after a recent upturn in form.
Dyche will have a heavy plan at Anfield on Saturday, as he always does throughout his impressive managerial career and a win or a draw is certainly not far from the Toffees. Counter-attacks and set-pieces will need to be near-perfect if they are to cause a stir on enemy territory.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan admits he was “absolutely wrong” in a debate regarding the Toffees’ upcoming FFP case.