Rezzil’s Premier League Preview: Dyche’s Toffees can worsen Liverpool’s sticky situation

Despite being one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in world football, the Merseyside derby can often flatter to deceive.

Over the years the gulf in class between Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded calvary has simply brushed aside Everton’s fruitless attempts to thwart their bitter rivals from across Stanley Park which has resulted in one-sided games with little jeopardy for the Reds.

In recent meetings, we have seen a steady increase in boring goalless draws as Everton sit deep and look to catch Liverpool on the counter-attack and the Reds find it too difficult to break down their stubborn opponents. Since 2015, there have been five 0-0 draws between the pair.

There is a different dynamic altogether at the moment, however, as both sides find themselves in the midst of torrid campaigns by their relative standards.

Liverpool sit 10th in the Premier League and are a huge 11 points off the top-four whilst Everton are in real danger of being relegated and sit nestled in the bottom three heading into Monday evening’s clash.

Both teams have to go all out for the win and with Everton recently stunning league leaders Arsenal 1-0 – the first defeat the Gunners have tasted in the league all season – they will be the ones carrying more momentum into the game.

Liverpool were well-beaten 3-0 by Wolves on Saturday and have now only won one of their last six matches in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp is cutting a dishevelled figure on the touchline and there are rumours that he could depart Anfield before long should his team’s very apparent struggles continue.

Sean Dyche was brought into Everton to steady the ship and pull the Toffees clear of relegation and his tenure got off to the best possible start at the weekend with that memorable victory over Arsenal.

The former Burnley manager will relish the opportunity of meeting Liverpool at this particular moment in time given their current misfortune and there is widespread expectation that he can pick up another positive result against the crestfallen Reds at Anfield.

Liverpool need to dust themselves off and put on a show if they are to mount any sort of a challenge for European football next season, with a spot in the Europa League probably now the realistic objective given their current position in mid-table.

Another victory for Everton could see them escape the drop zone dependent on results elsewhere although a draw away from home would also be viewed as an extremely positive outcome by the club.

Away from the derby, and there is a fixture-list rife with excitement with an all-London affair kickstarting things on Saturday lunchtime as Chelsea welcome West Ham to Stamford Bridge.

Much like Liverpool, Graham Potter’s side are struggling this term and sit in 9th spot – 10 points outside the top-four. West Ham have been really poor to date and are, much like Everton, genuine relegation contenders.

The Hammers managed a decent point against Newcastle last time out, though, and lie in 16th after 21 games but are only a solitary point above the dotted line. A defeat against the confidence-bereft Blues could easily see them slip back into the drop zone.

Leeds and Manchester United will also face each other for the second time in the space of a week as the Whites cope with life after Jesse Marsch, who was sacked on Monday with his team 17th in the league and reeling from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

United are up to third in the table after a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace and have emerged as (extremely) dark horses for the title due to Man City and Arsenal’s recent defeats.

Premier League fixtures in full:

Saturday 11th February

West Ham United 12:30 Chelsea

Arsenal 15:00 Brentford

Crystal Palace 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion

Fulham 15:00 Nottingham Forest Leicester City 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur

Southampton 15:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers

AFC Bournemouth 17:30 Newcastle United

Sunday 12th February

Leeds United 14:00 Manchester United

Manchester City 16:30 Aston Villa

Monday 13th February