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Liverpool vs Everton – Premier League Match Preview

You know how the saying goes you wait for a massive derby clash and two come along at once, later on we have the battle for Manchester but in no way should we overlook matters on Merseyside as Liverpool and Everton once again face off in a bid for local bragging rights.

If midweek was anything to go by then Everton fans may well have something of a nervous disposition going into this game, not because of performances of their own especially after a young Toffees side won their first and last Europa League game of this campaign.

But for the fact that Liverpool were in scintillating form against Spartak Moscow 24 hours prior, it was not only a win that made sure that Jurgen Klopp’s men secured top spot in Group E but also just showed just how ruthless they can be in attack.

What makes it all the more worrying is the fact that they performed the exact same feat away at Brighton last weekend, there last two outings across all competitions has seen them score no less than 12 goals. Critics may well argue that it is has not been the toughest of oppositions but there is no denying that Liverpool’s attack line has been in lightning fast mood as of late.

Not only that but due to the fact that they have had all guns blazing in attack it has taken the focus and more importantly the pressure of Liverpool’s defence. You only have to look at their counter attacking display against Brighton last weekend as evidence of that.

Even if they are in perceived danger, which last weekend was in the form of Glenn Murray who missed a guilt edged chance they can then go straight down the other end and score. A sucker punch for Brighton as Liverpool landed a knockout blow at The AMEX.

But for all the potential fears that Everton may have going into this game there is also cause for optimism due to the fact that Sam Allardyce has now arrived to steady the ship and since the appointment of the former England boss the outlook has looked a lot brighter on the blue half of Merseyside.

He may not have traveled to Cyprus on Thursday due to a medical appointment but newly appointed first team coach Craig Shakespeare took the reigns as the positive momentum connected with Everton continues, it is now three successive wins in all competitions since the appointment of Big Sam.

The Europa League was nothing more than a dead rubber and although it would have no doubt boosted confidence it is the domestic matters which are Everton’s bread and butter. Their last two outings have seen back to back home wins and more importantly clean sheets.

Everton may be the team with the third worst defensive record in the division at present but at least their goals against average has been bought down to a more manageable figure, before the arrival of Allardyce it was 2.15 goals against per game now it is down to 1.86.

So a step in the right direction and there is no doubt that Allardyce will want his Everton side to continue walking that direction as we head into a busy December period of fixtures. Ultimately if they cannot concede they cannot lose and that is a good a platform as any to build on for a side whose start to the season has been all but a write off.

With a new manager at the reigns then the prospect of finishing 7th once again is by no means out of reach especially with the talent and the money they already have at their disposal so there could well be something salvageable from this campaign.

However I don’t think they are going to get anything out of today for the simple fact that Liverpool have been red hot as of late. The form book can have a habit of going out of the window but I think it will be staying put this afternoon as I reckon it will be a home win.

Here is what social media thinks will happen – do you agree?

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