Liverpool vs Everton: Dyche’s side aiming to topple the Reds

Everton travel across the city after the international break aiming to put a major dent in Liverpool’s hopes of challenging for the Premier League title.

However, having won just once at Anfield in all competitions since 1999, it would be fair to say the odds are undoubtedly are stacked against the Toffees in the latest Merseyside derby. 

Everton are betting outsiders to win at Liverpool, which is no surprise given their recent woeful record against their local rivals. However, after their impressive result against Bournemouth, plenty of betting enthusiasts will be hitting the online bookies as Premier League football returns from the international break, with interest in the game spiking with the Merseyside derby this weekend and plenty of football to follow for the rest of the year.

Sean Dyche’s side are a best-priced 15/2 to defeat Liverpool – odds which highlight the size of the task they face. However, they will head to Anfield in a buoyant mood after swatting the Cherries aside at Goodison Park and will be eager to take something from the game.

With that in mind, odds of 19/4 for the game to finish a draw may attract interest from punters seeking a value bet when the Premier League returns. Read on as we look at Everton’s recent form, before assessing whether they can blow a hole in Liverpool’s title aspirations.

Dyche delighted but insists there is work to be done

Having experienced plenty of lows over the past few years, Everton fans are wise enough not to get too carried away when the team starts to show some form. Victories over Brentford and Aston Villa had lifted the mood around the club, but a home defeat against Luton Town quickly spoilt the party.

They put that result firmly behind them with a dominant display against Bournemouth, securing a 3-0 victory courtesy of goals by James Garner, Jack Harrison and Abdoulaye Doucoure. While Dyche was understandably delighted with the victory, he urged his players not to rest on their laurels.

"I'm very pleased the players keep pushing the boundaries and barriers to get the story to change," Dyche told evertontv. "There's still a lot of work to be done, of course. I was glad the fans got a reward against Bournemouth because they've been terrific. 

"I think most Evertonians believe we have played really well, but you've got to win games. I've said to the players, 'You have got to win games, you have to find that winning edge'. It was obviously on show against Bournemouth with some of the finishing. 

"We created so many good chances, stayed calm and realised it will come our way. I think we've been showing what the team's about but goals win games and wins change the whole feel. It just reinforces the good performances. I'm really pleased for the players. There's lots of work to be done - lots of work - but it's another shift forward."

Everton must be brave at Liverpool

While Everton head into the game against Liverpool as massive underdogs, it would be foolish to think the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The Reds are just three points off top spot in the Premier League, but they have been far from convincing for quite some time now.

Liverpool have conceded first in 21 of their 46 Premier League games, and in 28 of their 63 games in all competitions, since the start of last season. On that basis, Everton must try and get on the front foot at Anfield to exploit the home side’s defensive frailties.

The Reds did triumph after conceding first against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, but they have not repeated the feat in their last two outings after going behind. They took just one point from their visits to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion – results which highlight this is not a vintage Liverpool team.

An injury to full-back Andy Robertson while on international duty with Scotland is a further boost to Everton’s hopes of taking something from the game. If striker Dominic Calvery-Lewin can ruffle Virgil van Dijk’s feathers, a victory is not beyond the realms of possibility.

While three points would be the perfect outcome, a draw would be a decent result for Everton. Given Liverpool’s shakiness at the back, backing a 1-1 scoreline at odds of 10/1 could give punters a good run for their money.

Regardless of the final score, the fact that Everton are heading to Anfield with renewed optimism is a good sign. The Merseyside derby has been one of the most one-sided football rivalries in the world in recent years, and Everton fans are desperate for things to change.

If the team can gain a positive result, the supporters may finally be able to start dreaming about enjoying a brighter future.

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