Game Week 33 Prediction: Everton to avoid defeat against Liverpool

Premier League Game Week 33 Prediction: Everton to avoid defeat against Liverpool

Everton has a huge chance to claim derby spoils at home against Liverpool on Sunday. Can Liverpool step up to the plate? (Photo credit: Opta)

Everton vs Liverpool

Hill Dickingson Stadium

2:00pm

Chelsea lost at home to Manchester United on Saturday, opening real opportunities for Liverpool to go clear of the Blues in the race for Champions League football.

It's been a tough season for Liverpool. Their title defense didn't last beyond the first quarter of the season; PSG dumped Liverpool out of the Champions League in the quarterfinal stage, and Manchester City whalloped them in the same round of the FA Cup.

Qualifying for next season's Champions League represents a presentable achievement for the Kops. What we're not sure of is if it will be enough to keep Arne Slot at the helm next season. Liverpool must not let this opportunity slip from their grasp.

Everton is very much in the frame for European qualification. A win for Everton at home against their local rivals takes the Toffees up to 50 points. For context, that is 2 points above Chelsea, who currently occupies the sixth spot.

What a season we're having. Only three points separate Fulham in 12th from Chelsea in 6th. The dynamics could turn into a real domino show as Everton tries to do something they haven't done in the derby, which is to win at Liverpool.

Everton will look at Liverpool's form for belief. The champions have only one win in their last five. The latest loss came at home against PSG in the Champions League as the reigning UCL champions battered Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate after identical home and away results.

Hugo Ekitike is not expected to kick a ball again this year after the injury he sustained against the Parisians. Alexander Isak is back available, but can he play the full 90 minutes yet? Is this where Arne Slot considers a false 9?

Everton will rely on their compact midfield and stingy defense. James Tarkowski and Jarrod Branthwaite will both have a hand in defense against Liverpool, while James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye will lock down the midfield.

Ilman Ndiaye has been quiet in recent games; can he find his spark when it matters most? Beto is expected to lead the line for the hosts. Will he find the back of the net against Liverpool in front of the crowd at the new Hill Dickingson ground?

It's Liverpool's first visit to Everton's new stadium. Will the Reds claim the ground as they did at Goodison Park? Mohammed Salah was on target last weekend in the win over Fulham; alongside Rio Ngomouha, was this a game where they flourished?

Verdict: Everton to win or draw.