Licking their wounds after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Sunday in fourth round of the FA Cup, Liverpool is back in action in the Premier League on Wednesday against a reinvigorated Everton at Goodison Park.
Meant to be played on 7 December, the first Merseyside Derby of the league season was postponed due to safety concerns brought about be Storm Darragh. The postponed match is set to go ahead on Wednesday evening.
Currently enjoying a six-point cushion atop the league standings with a game in hand, Liverpool can open what could prove to be an insurmountable lead.
Liverpool’s league form has dovetailed with Mohamed Salah who is enjoying an incredible season, even by his high standards. Salah highlighted the importance of the Premier League title when speaking to Sky Sports earlier this year.
“In my interviews over the last seven or eight years, I always say [I want to win the] Champions League. But this is the first time I’m saying I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool.”
Speaking on the Pandemic-affected season in which the Reds did end their 30-year wait for the title he said, “”We waited for that title for 30 years or so. So, to win it and it was the pandemic at that time, we didn’t really have time to celebrate it in the right way. It’s not a nice thing to do, so hopefully we can do it this year.”
Proving that age is just a number at the age of 32, he has scored 21 goand assisted 13 (he sits atop the standings of both metrics in the league), Liverpool supporters may have to resign themselves to the fact that this could be the last season Salah spends in Liverpool Red following a protracted contract stand-off.
In that Sky Sports interview he added, “Do you want to look back and say I was concerned or stressed about the contract? Or do you just want to say I had an unbelievable season? That’s what is in my head.
“If I ever feel distraction, I just remind myself I want to look back and say I had an unbelievable season. That’s what I want to do.”
In January David Moyes made a return to Everton replacing Sean Dyche. Since arriving back 12 years after leaving the Toffees for Manchester United there has been a notable improvement in the team. They’ve won three on the spin against Tottenham, Brighton and Leicester City. Despite this recent upturn in form, they’re still down in 16th, although you expect them to avoid the drop now.
“Liverpool are in a different place than where we are at this moment but the job over the coming years is to bridge the gap and get much closer,” said Moyes.
Everton have been forced to live in the shadow of their neighbours for the last two decades, but Moyes will be keen to throw show his side can mix it up with Slot’s juggernaut.
Adding to the spice will be the fact that this match will be the last Merseyside Derby to take place at Goodison Park, with Everton set to move into their stunning new dockside stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton vs Liverpool last 5 matches
- 24 April 2024 Everton 2-0 Liverpool
- 21 October 2023 Liverpool 2-0 Everton
- 13 February 2023 Liverpool 2-0 Everton
- 03 September 2022 Everton 0-0 Liverpool
- 24 April 2022 Liverpool 2-0 Everton
