The final Premier League match before Christmas comes in the Monday Night Football this week when Everton host Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season. Neither side wants to lose to their rivals at the best of times let alone in Christmas week so we’re going to get a competitive match here.
Liverpool will move back into second place in the table with a win here while Everton will be looking to go into Christmas in seventh. They need to avoid defeat to take up that position.
Everton
The Toffees head into the derby still unbeaten at home which is a pretty decent effort considering they had been in a pretty lengthy slump prior to getting back to winning against Arsenal last week. Even in that match Everton looked shaky but actually when they got going they arguably could have won by more.
That will have been a confidence boost but it will also be a reminder that they have to start this game well as they might not be able to get back into this one if they fall behind. On the flip side of that Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Enner Valencia all have points to prove and will aim to do so against a poor defence.
Liverpool
Liverpool had a great win up at Middlesbrough last week to set themselves up for the derby. They needed that win to get the attention away from their goalkeeping situation which was blown up out of all proportion when Jurgen Klopp started a war of words with Gary Neville for no unknown reason.
With Chelsea kicking clear at the top this is becoming a must win match for Liverpool and it will be interesting to see whether they can find another clean sheet. You would think if they do they will win the match because there aren’t many games they are not going to score in with all the offensive options and quality they have.
Team News
Everton are going to be without Phil Jagielka for this match after his sending off late on against Arsenal. Gareth Barry didn’t play in that match but he is set to return for this one.
Simon Mignolet came in for Loris Karius in goal at Middlesbrough last time out and he is set to keep his place having kept a clean sheet. Daniel Sturridge could make an appearance but the match might come too soon for Emre Can and Joel Matip.
Betting
I think this will be a tight match. Derby matches usually are pretty tight and few more so than this one. The last four meetings between these two at Goodison Park have ended all-square and I don’t think too many will be surprised if this one is another draw.
Despite not playing brilliantly in recent times Everton remain unbeaten at Goodison Park which counts for something and they’ve had Tottenham, Arsenal and Man Utd here already this season. That said I’m not sure Everton have the quality to win the game and you wouldn’t trust either defence to hang onto a lead. A draw seems a fair chance in this one.
Tips
Back the Draw for a 2/10 stake at 3.75 with William Hill
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CORAL
YELLOW CARD TO BE SHOWN IN THE GAME – 20/1
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EVERTON TO WIN 14/1 OR LIVERPOOL TO WIN 7/1
PADDY POWER
LIVERPOOL TO WIN 7/1
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