A win or nothing will suffice for Liverpool as they look to regain top spot. Today is not one of those days where any positive result is accepted. Liverpool need all the three points after Manchester City's dogged win at Bournemouth saw them leapfrog Klopp's side to top the pile.
Like the Tottenham side of 2015/16, Liverpool are having to play catch up as the league heads into the home stretch thanks to rescheduling for TV purposes. Obviously, with 10 games left, the team that plays first have a huge mental advantage.
Should Liverpool get all the three points here, they'll have ticked off a big game in the pursuit for a first league title in 29 years. At the moment, the title is out of Man City's hands. However, should Liverpool drop points here, they'll be in trouble in a run where City are grinding results even when they are laboring.
Watford was a banana skin type of test after a series of draw. It looked a hard game as Watford arrived at Anfield the best of the rest of the teams outside the top six. That convincing 5-0 win will have been a massive boost heading into this derby.
Everton have little to play for this term as they currently sit 10th on the pile. Man-for-man, the Blues are no match to Liverpool's pool of talent. But like Klopp said, to them it is like a cup final and Liverpool have to get through this unscathed.
Team News
Leighton Barnes and Yerry Mina are doubtful to feature here for Everton. Centre-back duo Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are ruled out of this one. A returning Alex Oxlade Chamberlain still lacks match fitness and will not feature here although he could play in the U23's derby on Monday. Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri will need to pass a late assessment tests.
Kurt Zouma is available after serving his suspension and could be named ahead of Phil Jagielka at the heart of Everton's defence. Yerry Mina could also play a part after making the bench in the midweek win in south Wales. André Gomes could also replace Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield. The rest of the lineup could remain unchanged from the side that beat Cardiff 3-0 in the last game.
Roberto Firmino was ruled out of the midweek after injuring his ankle against United. The Brazilian is expected to be available. Should he fail to feature, we could see a similar lineup to the one that won against Watford or a variation thereof.
Jordan Henderson was failed to feature against Watford and is expected to push to captain the side against Everton. Naby Keita is another option in midfield. However, he may have to start from the bench.
Match Stats
Liverpool are have not lost any of their last 18 matches against Everton in all competitions. Everton last won the Merseyside derbyback in 2010.
At Goodison Park, this tie has produced under 2.5 goals in 9 of the last 11 across all competitions. Out of the last 6 games in all competitions a home derby for Everton has produced 5 draws.
The traveling Reds have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches and a total of 16 in 28 games all season. Liverpool have not tasted defeat in 13 of their last 14 away league matches, only losing to defending champions Manchester City. Liverpool's last 3 away Premier League games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Both sides picked up much-needed victories in midweek fixtures. Everton beat Cardiff 3-0 away in the Welsh Capital while Liverpool thrashed Watford 5-0 at Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool Win (0-2)
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