Everton v Liverpool Preview: Players To Watch Ahead Of Merseyside Derby

The first Merseyside Derby of the 2020/2021 English Premier League season comes off on Saturday, October 17, when Everton host Liverpool at the Goodison Park.

The Toffees, obviously a rejuvenated side under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti have had an outstanding start to the season and currently sits top of the standings of the division with a 100% record.

For defending Champions Liverpool, they have conceded 11 goals in 4 matches this season, underlining their defensive problems worsened by the injury to first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

With just the form guide of the two teams after their first 4 matches of the English Premier League campaign, Everton appears not far off for the first time in a long while ahead of the famous Merseyside Derby.

The clash known as the longest-running top-flight derby in England is set up for fireworks later today when Carlo Ancelotti and his charges welcome the trouble-looming Klopp side.

Players To Watch:
He has been sharp, he has been brilliant, he has been an instant hit, his name is James Rodriguez!!

Definitely, the player to keep an eye on with many pundits tipping the Columbian to have a big say in the outcome of today’s fixture.

Signed from Real Madrid, the exciting left-footed midfielder has been the signing of the summer transfer window so far with his brilliance playing a key role in Everton’s 4 wins out of 4 games record.

With 3 goals and 2 assists already, James could win the match for the Toffees if the forward line of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison continue their expressive start to the season.

Already on 5 goals this season, Liverpool’s success in today’s game could be dependent on Mohammed Salah. The Egyptian has not been exceptional, but he has been the most lethal forward for the Reds so far.

While a lot will be expected, it will be difficult for him to make anything happen for the traveling team if the likes of Henderson, Fabinho, and co lose the midfield battle to the opposition.

Hence, Salah’s attacking partners, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will need to come to the party big time.

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Mangers H2H:
In their managerial careers, Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp have met 6 times in all competitions.

Each manager boasts of 2 wins with the other 2 matches ending in a draw. Last season, the managers met twice with the Liverpool boss having the better of the Italian in the FA Cup as the other encounter ended in a stalemate.

Kick-off Time:
Today’s Merseyside Derby is scheduled to kick-off at 11:30GMT at the Goodison Park and will signal the return of the English Premier League after the October international break.

Referee Michael Oliver has been appointed to officiate the match.