Game Week 15 Predictions: Liverpool to send Everton off Goodison with a win

Everton vs. Liverpool preview at Goodison Park, including Kelleher's role for Liverpool, key absences, and Salah’s form.

 

It's the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, can Everton sign off on a high when they host Liverpool on Saturday? (Photo credit: Opta)

Everton vs. Liverpool.

Goodison Park

1:30 pm

It was a rare occurrence to see Everton beat a team by four goals, and that should send some signals to Liverpool, who conceded three goals at Newcastle in midweek.

The fears and worries at Everton going into the Wolves game were about the lack of goals in the Toffees’ ranks, but shipping four past Gary O’Neil’s side is a welcome development. Can they do it again when Liverpool visits Goodison Park?

The runaway league leaders lost two points at Newcastle, cutting their lead at the top to seven, which you still consider a healthy lead by all standards, but, with Manchester City’s pedigree and Arsenal’s form, Liverpool cannot afford to slip up.

The spotlight is on Cahomin Kelleher, who was culpable for Newcastle’s equaliser in midweek; the Irish keeper opted to let the ball pass him, unaware of a lurking Fabian Schar, and the rest is history. However, Arne Slot has confirmed that Kelleher would continue in goal as Alison continues to find fitness.

It’s a fixture that typically goes one way, and if you consider the current form, it doesn’t look like it will be different, but expect Sean Dyche to defend with his life and try to punish the leaders on the break. But does he have what it takes to stop Mohammed Salah?

The Egyptian has scored and assisted in every one of his last five games, contributing immensely to Liverpool’s rise this season. While his contract situation is a topic of discussion, the Everton defence, not the Anfield negotiators, will be the key focus on Saturday.

Whether you’re blue or red, this fixture means a lot to either side. The hosts need this fixture to boost their confidence in navigating the drop zone, while the visitors must prevent the chasing pack from getting closer; one more mistake could make the race less straightforward.

Alison is fit, but we expect Kelleher to continue in goal. With Alexis Mac Allister suspended and Ibrahim Konate and Tsimikas unavailable, Jarrel Quansah and Joe Gomez will vie for the vacant seat beside Virgil Van Dijk. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are the only other absentees for the Kops.

Everton will be without Michael Keane, who is struggling with a thigh problem, but Dyche has everyone else fit from the big win over Wolves. It remains to be seen how they will respond to the Kops' formidable firepower. It’s a game Everton would relish defensively; Salah and co. will test their resolve relentlessly.

Verdict: A straight win for Liverpool.