The 247th Merseyside derby kicks off today at Anfield, with Liverpool hosting Everton in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. As the Premier League champions, Liverpool are currently sitting top of the table with a perfect record, having won all four of their matches this season. However, each of those victories has required late goals, including a 92nd-minute winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek. Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, have also had a positive start to the season and currently sit sixth in the league.
Team News
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a fully fit squad to choose from, with Curtis Jones back in contention after missing the last two matches. Alexander Isak, who made his debut against Atletico Madrid, starts on the bench, with Hugo Ekitike leading the line. Alexis Mac Allister returns to the midfield. The confirmed Liverpool lineup is Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Vitaliy Mykolenko, however, has returned from injury and starts. Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, continues in the starting lineup, hoping to add to his four assists in as many appearances.
Form and Expectations
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, losing only once at home to Everton in their last 28 meetings. They have also won their last four encounters without conceding a goal. Despite Everton's poor record at Anfield, they will be hoping to cause an upset and build on their positive start to the campaign. David Moyes has never won a Premier League game at Anfield in 20 attempts.
Several pundits are predicting a tight game, with both Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp forecasting a 2-1 victory for Liverpool. Everton manager David Moyes has cautioned against Liverpool's tendency to score late goals. He acknowledged Liverpool's habit of finding late winners, but said Everton would always be competitive against their local rivals.
The match kicks off at 12:30 pm local time.
