Everton ‘to win’ v Liverpool as Duncan Ferguson predicts Man of the Match
Everton have been tipped to beat Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday with Duncan Ferguson predicting the Man of the Match.
The last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will take place under the lights on 12 February and the stakes are high for both teams.
Everton go into the game on the back of a three-game winning streak in the Premier League as they look to steer further away from the relegation zone.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are determined to retain their position of strength at the top of the table, particularly after their shock defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Sunday, 9 February.
Duncan Ferguson predicts Everton v Liverpool
Despite the two teams’ contrasting situations, Ferguson has predicted that David Moyes’ side will “nick” a victory over Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday.
The Toffees legend, though, insisted that the hosts would have to defend “for their lives”, meaning one of the defenders is an early favourite to be the Man of the Match.
He also predicted the nature of the goal that might give Moyes and Co the win.
“I fancy Everton to win”, Ferguson told Jamie Carragher in an interview with The Telegraph (11 February).
“They can do it if they set the tempo, put them under pressure, get on top of them, get the fans involved and defend for their lives.
“One of the defenders will have to be man of the match, but then they can nick it.
“An inswinging corner on top of the keeper and a headed goal would do, wouldn’t it? There is nothing wrong with winning a game like that.
“Everton can’t win the derby passing Liverpool off the park, can they!”
Jamie Carragher has his say
Carragher, meanwhile, believes Wednesday’s game is the “ultimate test” for Slot and his Liverpool side as they look to strengthen their position as title contenders.
The pundit suggested that the game will be different to all the challenges the Anfield outfit have faced and dealt with so far this season.
The last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, therefore, promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams going into the come on a good run of form in the league.
One thing is for sure. Arsenal will be watching the game from the edge of their seat as an Everton win may open a chance for them to claw back into the title race.
The Reds are currently placed atop the table with 56 points after 23 games, sitting six points above the relegation zone with a game in hand.
A win against their arch-rivals would see Slot and Co go nine points clear at the top of the table.