David Moyes ‘to be grateful’ as Alexander Isak latest emerges for Liverpool vs Everton
Everton are set to travel to Anfield on Saturday to take on Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the 2025/26 campaign.
Given the Toffees’ good start to the season, there is hope that Everton can get a result.
While David Moyes has a terrible record at Anfield, history could easily be made on 20 September.
However, one thing that could tip the balance in the Reds’ favour is Alexander Isak.
The striker is yet to make his debut for Liverpool since making a late record move in the summer from Newcastle, but could feature against Everton.
Alexander Isak not ready to play full matches yet for Liverpool
Isak is no doubt one of the best strikers in the world after a successful period at Newcastle.
However, due to the Swede forcing a move to Liverpool in the summer, the striker is yet to receive any competitive domestic minutes on the pitch this season.
Arne Slot confirmed that Isak would not be rushed back for Liverpool after the attacker didn’t feature in the squad for their victory over Burnley.
Now, Ian Darke has told Liverpool News on 16 September that he believes that Isak will play against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but then miss the Merseyside derby, much to the relief of Moyes.
- Isak moved to Liverpool on deadline day for £125m
- The striker won the Carbao Cup at Newcastle last season
- Isak is yet to make an appearance for the Reds
The Premier League expert and commentator said: “As I understand it, he has not had much of a pre-season due to being on strike at Newcastle, so there is a problem with match sharpness with him.
“I think Slot has said he can play probably 45 minutes in the two upcoming games, but not in both of them. They’re going to ease him in; they are getting him up to match sharpness.
“I would think he might come on a sub against Atletico, or they may start him and take him off – they don’t want to get him injured, they don’t need to take that kind of risk, with the players that they have available.
“They will get him up to speed in the next two or three weeks, and after that, he will be an almost automatic starter, I would think.
“I would say [David Moyes] would be quite grateful if he did not have to face a fully fit and effective Isak, but I think he has quite enough other problems to worry about in that game.”
Alexander Isak’s record against Everton
Even if Isak does play against the Toffees, the striker has an awful record against the Merseyside club.
In the four matches that he has played against Everton, the attacker has mustered only one goal and has also failed to get an assist.
On top of this, his win rate is also low, at just 25 per cent, with two of his four games ending in Toffees victories.
While Liverpool are overwhelming favourites for the Everton clash, Isak’s participation could well prove to be the hosts’ undoing.
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