Liverpool and Everton, two clubs from the same city, namely the city of Liverpool, will face each other in the 23rd Premier League match entitled “Merseyside derby”, Tuesday. The match will take place at Liverpool’s headquarters, Anfield.
The Merseyside derby for the two teams is crucial. Because both teams are currently in dire need of additional points to improve their position in the Premier League standings. Currently Liverpool’s position in the Premier League standings is relatively better than Everton. Liverpool are in 10th place with a collection of 29 points, the results of 20 matches.
Meanwhile, Everton are stranded in 18th position. Everton have just scored 18 points from 21 matches. An additional three points for both teams means a lot. The additional three points will make them move up to a better position than before.
If Liverpool are able to win the match, then an additional three points will make Jurgen Klopp’s team rise to 9th position. With the addition of three points, Liverpool’s total points mean it is 32 points. Liverpool will shift Chelsea’s position which previously occupied 9th position.
Meanwhile, if Everton wins the match, then an additional three points will make Sean Dyche’s team rise to 16th position. This will also get Everton out of the relegation zone. Everton, thus, is a team that needs an additional three points more than Liverpool. Everton need an additional three points to get away from the relegation zone.
The problem is, can Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield? Not an easy thing, of course. Moreover, Everton’s condition is in a slump. Despite having won in the 22nd game over Premier League leaders Arsenal, but that is not an indicator and a guarantee that Everton has improved. It could just be read as a “coincidence”.
Liverpool’s condition is also not far from Everton, is experiencing a decline in performance. This can be seen from Liverpool’s performance in the Premier League. From the last five matches, Liverpool only won once, drew one, and lost three times.
Liverpool’s meeting with Everton, thus can be called a meeting of two teams who are sick. Both teams are in need of “medicine” and “multivitamins”.
Judging from the strength of the two teams, position in the standings, and record of meetings, Liverpool seems more worthy of being favored than Everton. Moreover, the match took place at Anfield, Liverpool headquarters.
Playing at home will certainly be utilized by Liverpool as well as possible. Because it is an opportunity to gain full points in order to improve their position in the standings.
As a big team, Liverpool certainly don’t want to finish in the middle of the table. At least Liverpool can finish in the Champions League zone.
There are still lots of games left. Liverpool is still very likely to push up into the Champions League zone. Even to finish in first position is still possible by calculation.
It is still possible for Liverpool to overtake teams in the Champions League zone, namely Newcastle United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. But of course Liverpool must always win in the remaining matches. Another requirement is a team that is currently in the Champions League zone, rarely wins and often loses.
Different Liverpool, different again Everton. Everton’s current target may not have to be grandiose into the Champions League zone. Everton’s current realistic target might be enough to survive the relegation zone. It’s been great.
For the new Everton coach, Sean Dyche, the match against Liverpool is also a place to prove his ability to manage The Toffees. Dyche must be able to prove that Everton recruiting him was the right choice.
The Merseyside derby is thus a match loaded with the interests of both teams. That interest is none other than full points for a better position in the Premier League standings.
ASL
