Everton v Liverpool Preview & Predictions EPL 17/10/2020

2020-21 English Premier League preview: Everton v Liverpool – Goodison Park – Saturday, October 17, 2020 – 12:30 hrs GMT

EPL Everton v Liverpool Preview

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will like to put behind memories of the worst ever defeat they suffered at the hands of Aston Villa about a fortnight ago when to go to Goodison Park on Saturday for a Premier league derby clash against an in-form Everton.

The Toffees have had their best start to a season winning all their four initial outings, catapulting them to the top of the EPL table.

The match against the Reds will be their stiffest test of the season although they have beaten Tottenham Hotspur this season for their first victory over a ‘big six' club since Carlo Ancelotti took over.

The one thing that will bother Everton watchers is their failure to keep a clean sheet from all their previous 5 outings.

But with a free-scoring attack spearheaded by the prolific Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton have atoned for their defensive shortcomings, netting as many as 24 goals from their seven games across all competitions this season.

The good form of new signings James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have all contributed to the club's success so far.

Everton v Liverpool Recent Form

• Everton Premier League form: WWWW
• Everton form (all competitions): WWWWWW
• Liverpool Premier League form: WWWL
• Liverpool form (all competitions): WWWWLL

The good news for Liverpool fans is the return of Thiago Alcantara and Sadio Mane to training sessions after recovering from coronavirus.

Joel Matip should be back, too, while Kostas Tsimikas is recovering from a thigh problem.

Goalkeeper Adrian is expected to deputize for Alisson, sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin with nine goals from six outings across all competitions including two hat-tricks will be the biggest threat to the Liverpool defense.

This weekend he could become the first player since Tommy Lawton in 1938-39 to score in each of Everton's first five league games of a season.

Andre Gomes, Allan and Seamus Coleman all of whom missed Everton's win over Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break are expected to return for the Merseyside derby.

The new center-back acquisition from Norwich City, Ben Godfrey, could be expected to make a debut on Saturday and come in place of the injured Yerry Mina.

Ancelotti will be further handicapped at the back by the absence of Lucas Digne after he picked up a knee injury in France's win over Croatia on Wednesday while Cenk Tosun remains a long-term absentee.

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Gomes, Allan, Doucoure; Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Liverpool have an overwhelming history against Everton not having lost in any of their 21 encounters since 2010.

Moreover with the Reds desperate to get back to winning ways, the UK bookmakers online seem to be going for a Liverpool win despite the Toffees' exceptional form this season.

Everton v Liverpool Predictions & betting Odds

All bet365 odds quoted are subject to change and were correct as of 16/10/2020.

• Everton to win: 11/4
• Liverpool to win: 5/6
• Draw: 16/5

Correct Score odds (Recommended bets)

• Draw 2-2: 12/1
• Liverpool 2-1: 17/2

Anytime goal scorer

• Mohamed Salah: 8/13
• Sadio Mane: 7/5
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 8/5 (Recommended Bet)

Judging from this season's matches for the two, the Goodison Park affair promises goals – there have been 39 in their combined eight outings so far in 2020-21.

So, over 2.5 goals in this match is predicted.

All bet365 odds quoted are subject to change and were correct as of 16/10/2020.

This article was first posted here