Jurgen Klopp believes the Everton squad his Liverpool side will challenge on Sunday is the best he’s faced since joining the club in 2015.
Fortunate then that the players in his possession are the best he’s assembled while at the club.
Indeed, the 232nd Merseyside Derby is a mouthwatering proposition having turned a little dry in recent seasons with the Reds dominant – they’ve not lost once from their last 17 meetings in all competitions and Klopp is unbeaten in all six of his clashes with the Blues.
Marco Silva arrives at Anfield commanding a side bursting with talent and good form. Summer signings Andre Gomes, Bernard, Richarlison and Yerry Mina have vastly improved the squad and their enterprising manager has proven a breath of fresh air after the dank gloom of Sam Allardyce’s brief reign.
With Everton attempting to navigate a course into the Premier League’s top six, and Liverpool to the title, much is at stake for both outfits.
TALKING POINTS
For Liverpool – Playmaker problem: The midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum was outclassed and overrun in the soul-sapping defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. Their collective performance saw Klopp field questions about whether he requires a midfield rethink and while the German denied this, the reality is much different. Henderson is suspended so change is necessary anyway, but the lack of dynamism and creation from the middle means despite their slow starts, both Fabinho and Naby Keita have to be considered for selection.
Naby Keita
For Everton – Change in mentality: Everton’s record at Anfield is atrocious. They haven’t tasted a league victory there since 1999 and the biggest factor for their demise is a feeble mentality. The Blues have had their opportunities to end the hoodoo – last season a prime example – and failed to take them. But under Silva, this enticing attacking outfit hold no fear and through Richarlison in particular, have the pace and power to emit that same emotion from their neighbours.
KEY BATTLE
Virgil van Dijk v Richarlison
The blood and guts nature of the Merseyside Derby has largely been consigned to the past, yet a tasty contest awaits at Anfield on Sunday.
Van Dijk is the league’s most outstanding defender, Richarlison one of the signings of this season.
The two are set for a fascinating encounter with the towering presence of Van Dijk sure to be troubled aerially and on the ground, whether it be from the Brazilian’s incredible leap or piercing pace.
Richarlison
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Jurgen Klopp: “It may not be too nice for all the other (Everton) managers but (Silva) has the best squad. That’s how it is. They brought in players he wanted.”
Marco Silva: “What I want to see in our team is for us to be ourselves, nothing different to what we did in the big games we already played until now.”
WHAT WE THINK
Liverpool are mentally damaged from their tough defeat in Paris and Everton have a mental block when it comes to Anfield. Who has the fortitude to grab all three points? Our guess is neither. Both sides have the firepower to hurt the other, but expect a tight contest and a 1-1 draw.