Game Week 30 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Everton to march towards title

Liverpool faces Everton in a crucial derby at Anfield. Can the Reds restore their lead at the top, or will Everton cause an upset?

Liverpool's title charge could be halted by their city rivals Everton, will they allow the Toffees hurt them? (Photo credit: 90Mins)

 Liverpool vs Everton

Anfield

8:00pm

Welcome to the run-in, that time of the season when 1-0 is way more precious than a flurry of goals; the time when defence sees things out, it’s advantage Liverpool at the top, but they need to close things out now.

Arsenal beat Fulham on Tuesday night, with the return of their star boy, Bukayo Saka, getting them over the line after Fulham’s late resurgence. This has cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to nine points; the Kops must restore the lead to avoid unnecessary pressure.

Everton is safe from relegation by the look of things; they currently sit seventeen points above the drop zone and can rest in assurance that the three teams at the bottom can’t pick seventeen points from a possible 27, but a game against Liverpool is a different ball game.

The tempestuous first leg saw lots of red cards, including one each for Arne Slot and his assistant at full time. Liverpool were forced to a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, the last of such at the stadium, as the Toffees are moving to a new ground at the end of this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a subject of controversy at Liverpool right now; news broke out last week that the England right-back has agreed to a move to Real Madrid, something that irks the local fans. However, the enterprising defender is injured and won’t be available for a while.

For Everton, the likes of Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are injured, leaving David Moyes with the task of finding solutions in that regard; the club has seen a tremendous improvement since the return of the former Manchester United and West Ham coach. Will he hurt Liverpool again?

How will they line up? Jarrel Quansah is expected to fill in at right back in the absence of Alexander Arnold, while Alison could well sit this one out if the medics don’t give assurances that the concussion he suffered while on international duty is eased out.

Mohammed Salah is now all clear to win the golden boot; his contract situation is also a topic of discussion. However, he will hope to return to scoring ways as Liverpool hopes to wrap up the title. He is their leading light; he must stand up to be counted.

Verdict: Liverpool to win