Everton v Liverpool: Chris Sutton predicts scoreline of Merseyside derby
Chris Sutton has predicted Liverpool to secure a narrow defeat against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday, 24 April.
Both the Merseyside sides picked up victories over the weekend to take steps in the right direction towards their goals this season.
A win for the Toffees will all but end the Reds’ hopes of winning the Premier League and that’s precisely what the fans will want.
Sutton told the BBC, as he predicted a 2-1 win for Jurgen Klopp’s side: “Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made a lot of changes for Sunday’s win at Fulham, including leaving Mohamed Salah out, but they still won pretty comfortably.
“I can see this game going the same way. Everton will give everything of course, but the two goals they scored against Nottingham Forest were both from outside the box and they are not a team that creates too much.
“Liverpool have got more quality and they should have plenty of opportunities. If they take them, they will win.
“This is the second in a run of three away games in a row for Klopp’s side, with a trip to West Ham to come at the weekend. It looked like a tricky run at a crucial stage of the season but at the moment they look capable of getting through it.”
Everton could look to get a point against Liverpool
Everton could look to sit deep and maintain a compact shape to limit Liverpool’s attacking opportunities.
This would involve the Toffees players being disciplined in their positioning and reducing spaces for Liverpool’s forwards to exploit as they have been very good defensively this season.
Another tactic could be to press Liverpool’s defenders and midfielders aggressively, particularly in their defensive third.
This would aim to disrupt Liverpool’s buildup play and force turnovers in dangerous areas, potentially leading to counter-attacking opportunities for the hosts.
Sean Dyche’s side could also focus on set pieces, both offensively and defensively.
By being organised and aggressive in defending Liverpool’s corners and free kicks, they can limit the threat posed by Liverpool’s aerial prowess.
Conversely, they could look to capitalise on their own set-piece opportunities, as these situations can often lead to goals against the run of play.
In other Everton news, a senior player may never start for the club again after the Chelsea loss and is now very likely to leave in June.
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