Paul Merson has tipped Liverpool to win all three points against Everton at Anfield on Monday night despite being “very concerned” about aspects of the Reds’ performance against Wolves recently.
Last weekend Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 3-0 by Wolves at Molineux, while new Toffees manager Sean Dyche added a huge three points for the Toffees by beating league leaders Arsenal by a goal to nil at Goodison Park.
The Blues will therefore go into next week’s clash full of confidence, but Merson believes the Merseyside derby is the perfect game for Klopp’s men to win again.
“I saw Liverpool the other day and I thought they were better against Wolves than Brighton,” the former Arsenal favorite told Sportskeeda (via Rousing The Kop).
“If they had made it 2-1, I think they would have gotten something out of it. Towards the end, however, he was very concerned for Liverpool when he had the ball. They just didn’t have the fire in them.
READ MORE: ‘I believe in him’: Ian Rush fully backs Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool look to get season back on track
“This is a good game for Liverpool. It’s the Merseyside derby, and the fans will be up for it. Everton will sit back and absorb the pressure. They will work to get a goal from set pieces. They will have ten men behind the ball and one in front.
“I think Liverpool need a calm head with composure and experience. Fabinho hasn’t had the best of seasons in the Premier League, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he came back for this game alongside Thiago and Jordan Henderson. They are experienced and you need experienced players in a Merseyside derby.
“Liverpool’s defense has been all over the place this season, but Everton aren’t going to have much to do with them. Liverpool will have to defend their set pieces because that’s what Everton will live on. I’d be surprised if Liverpool don’t win this game. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton”.
It won’t come as a surprise on Monday night when Dyche’s team arrive at Anfield and defend with at least 10 men behind the ball.
The former Burnley only knows one way to play, but credit where credit is due – it has worked for him so far in his career.
Everton will think now is a good time to come to Anfield with Liverpool so low on confidence and struggling for both goals and clean sheets, but it’s up to the men in red to put the visitors in their place.
The reverse game earlier this season ended in a goalless draw at Stanley Park, so let’s hope for a much better game this time around.
40% of Liverpool’s summer loans failed: what happened to the club’s loan system?
