Everton comments spread around Liverpool training ground ahead of Merseyside derby
Comments are already flying around at the Liverpool training ground that Everton will be playing above their usual level for the Merseyside derby, according to Miguel Delaney.
The Independent journalist reported on 24 April that Liverpool’s preparation for the clash has included discussions about how Sean Dyche’s side will be up for the game.
There is, of course, an extra incentive for the Toffees heading into the game at Goodison Park knowing a win would all but secure survival for them while ending their rivals’ title hopes.
Everton get up for Liverpool clash at Goodison Park
There are plenty of reasons to be positive at Goodison Park ahead of the Merseyside derby – something which is not often said as Dyche’s side prepare to face Liverpool.
Having beaten Nottingham Forest at the weekend, the squad and the fans will be on a high, knowing a victory against their rivals would move them eight points clear of Luton in the relegation zone, putting a huge gap between them and the bottom three.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have experienced a recent dip in form which has seen their title race stutter. A 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League kickstarted the concerns at Anfield before a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace dented their ambitions.
Since then, they have won two in a row, but the signs are there that they are beatable, and in front of a packed-out Goodison Park with the full backing of the supporters, there is no reason not to be up for this one.
While a defeat at the hands of their rivals would sting as always, there is also a sense of acceptance that a Liverpool win is the most likely outcome, so anything other than that would be seen as a huge bonus for the Toffees.
In other Everton news, a European ultras group has protested 777 Partners’ ownership.
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