Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, in a match which will see two sides with contrasting fortunes lock horns. The home side are top of the table and undefeated in the league this season, while the visitors are approaching the relegation zone having lost 8 of their 14 league games.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are the overwhelming favourites heading into this game, but anything can happen in football (to put it simply), especially in a derby game.
Liverpool vs Everton: 3 Key Battles To Watch Out For
Roberto Firmino vs Yerry Mina
Roberto Firmino has been in scintillating form for Liverpool this season, the link player between attack and midfield whose job description also includes luring defenders out of their position thus helping the likes of Mane and Salah to exploit the space.
The Brazilian will be key for Liverpool against Everton, and he will be up against former Barcelona defender Yerry Mina, who has probably been Everton’s best defender this season.
Mina’s strength and aerial ability are what make him a good defender, and he will have to be at his best to keep Firmino and Liverpool quiet on Wednesday night. Mina could be the central defender in a three-man defence and is expected to spend the 90 minutes in close proximity to the striker.
Richarlison vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Everton’s left and Liverpool’s right will be where all the action will happen on Wednesday night. Everton’s best player this season has been Brazilian Richarlison, who has been one of the few threats for the Toffees, from the left. His pace, dribbling, and good finishing has helped him score four goals this season – the highest by an Everton player this season.
Richarlison will not only have to spearhead the attack but also not allow Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to bomb forward as the Englishman is dangerous going forward – as he showed over the weekend, where he registered two assists. Richarlison could use his pace and dribbling to push the Liverpool right-back into defensive areas, while Alexander-Arnold will look to do the same as well.
Mohamed Salah vs Lucas Digne
Another interesting battle on Wednesday will be between Liverpool’s right winger Mohamed Salah and Everton left-back/left wing-back Lucas Digne. Digne has 3 assists to his name – the most by an Everton player this season, while Salah has 6 goals and 3 assists.
Both players like to bomb forward which will make things very interesting and is likely to be a key area both managers will look to address extensively before the ball is kicked.