Season 2021-22 Opinion Talking Points

Everton's Mission Impossible: What can we get from Liverpool game in April?

Alex Iwobi's late winner against Newcastle United last time out lifted the spirits at Goodison Park, but Everton remain locked in a frightening relegation battle.

Despite bringing a four-match losing Premier League streak to a halt with a heroic 1-0 win over the Magpies, Frank Lampard's men are stuck only three points above 18th-placed Watford.

Dark times are looming over Goodison despite the club's utmost efforts to strengthen the team in the January transfer window.

However, with two games in hand on the Hornets, Everton are still masters of their own destiny going into the business end of the season. If you are to bet on the Premier League this week, Everton are still an excellent bet to avoid the drop this season despite the tough games coming up.

There are some high-stake league matches waiting in the wings this April, including the 60th Premier League edition of the famous Merseyside derby.

The Toffees' last top-flight outing in April will hand them an opportunity to inflict revenge on Liverpool for an embarrassing 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture at Goodison.

Easier said than done, though, especially given Liverpool's outrageous league form this calendar year.

Liverpool brimming with confidence

Jurgen Klopp's men are flying high in England's top-flight, having won their last nine league games in a row.

The Reds' domestic form has helped them whittle down the gap on table-topping Manchester City to a single point.

Liverpool welcomed March's international break in a confident mood as they are now truly back in contention for the Premier League title.

With Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane firing on all cylinders, the current Premier League runners-up must feel enthusiastic about their chances of dethroning Man City come May.

Hectic April schedule

Much of Everton's hopes of beating fierce cross-town rivals at Anfield for the second season on the trot will depend on their ability to build on the above-mentioned win over Newcastle.

Between now and the second Merseyside derby of the season, the Toffees will face a few challenging tasks.

The upcoming meetings with West Ham United, Manchester United and Leicester City could serve as potential confidence boosters ahead of Everton's visit to Anfield.

So the Toffees could either use those fixtures to build momentum or completely fall apart ahead of the derby.

Lampard's hopes of getting a result in his first Merseyside derby in charge have taken a hit as star winger Andros Townsend picked up a season-ending injury.

According to The Star, the 30-year-old forward has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage that will keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

There is a glimmer of hope

But despite their eye-catching form, Liverpool are dealing with off-field problems concerning Salah's contractual situation.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Egyptian star is open to leaving the Premier League this summer, which could cause havoc in the Anfield camp in the coming weeks.

Even though that could benefit Everton in the upcoming derby, the Toffees will need nothing short of a miracle to upset Klopp's machinery.

There is a feeling, though, that that Liverpool are currently on another level.

Return to Talking Points index  :  Add your Comments »

---

---

About these ads

---

---