Liverpool vs Everton – Predictions

Liverpool's season gets back underway with a bang following the international break.

It's the first Merseyside derby of the season and the perfect occasion for the Reds to get back to winning ways.

Two wins out of the last three aside, Everton's start to the 2023/24 campaign has been pretty wretched, with Sean Dyche's side wallowing in 16th place in the table after eight games.

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview

The Toffees have been somewhat unlucky, however, and their underlying numbers indicate that there is a better team in there waiting to get out and climb the table.

It promises to be another feisty battle at Anfield between the two old rivals, but while they say form goes out the window for the derby, Liverpool's recent history against Everton is very favourable indeed.

Here's how some of Anfield Watch's writers predict how Saturday's contest will play out.

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Sam McGuire: Despite our good record against Everton, I’m never confident heading into a derby. The fact my father-in-law is a blue probably has a part to play in this.

The Toffees have had a lot of bad luck this season though and that just won’t last. Liverpool will need to be at their best here at Anfield and that might be problematic given their questionable record in early kick-offs after an international break.

Andrew Robertson’s injury further complicates matters, with the Reds once again unable to name their strongest back four, but having Diogo Jota back gives Liverpool some much-needed options in attack.

I can’t see it being a high-scoring game but I can see both teams having some decent chances. I’m going with a narrow Liverpool win.

Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Dan Vassie:: After the disappointment at Spurs and Brighton before the international break, I think Liverpool will come storming out of the blocks against Everton and start well (which is unlike the Reds this season, I know).

But, players always rise to the occasion on derby day and Liverpool will want to make a big statement.

I expect a very physical game from both sides, and therefore, Ryan Gravenberch to start in midfield for his first Merseyside derby.

Jurgen Klopp has an excellent record against Sean Dyche, and Liverpool have an excellent record against Everton (especially at Anfield), so what could go wrong? Even if it is the early kick-off...

Ultimately, I think Liverpool will score early and wrap up a win in the second half to get their title charge back on track.

Liverpool 2-0 Everton

Andrew Headspeath: In a normal time slot, I'd back a pretty comfortable win here, but the 12:30 BST kick-off post international break means none of Darwin Nuñez, Alexis Mac Allister or Luis Diaz (who all played 90 minutes on Wednesday morning) will be fully fit and prepared.

Meanwhile, a slinged-up Robertson is definitely out and Cody Gakpo is still recovering from his injury, giving Klopp a bunch of selection headaches.

Who starts in attack given the fitness issues?

Can Mac Allister be thrown in at six for such a physical battle, considering he had to be hooked at half time against Wolves (the last game post internationals)?

Is Kostas Tsimikas really the man to stop Everton's relentless crossing machine?

All those (legitimate) concerns aside, I think Liverpool will get the job done. It'll probably be messy, bruising, not very pretty and even less fun, but they'll do it.

Liverpool 3-1 Everton