LIVERPOOL were recently on the receiving end of one of the biggest upsets in Premier League history and the reigning champions will be desperate to roar back when they face fierce rivals Everton on Saturday lunchtime.
The Reds were ruthlessly cut apart when crashing to a 7-2 defeat away at Aston Villa a fortnight ago – with two of my three recommended bets landing during what was a manic night in the Midlands.
Prior to that shock setback Liverpool had launched their bid to defend their crown in style, however, their perfect start came to a shuddering halt when being hit for seven at Villa Park.
Fresh from a 7-2 annihilation by Aston Villa, Jurgen Kopp's champs make the short trip across Stanley Park for what looks like a mouthwatering Merseyside derby.
Everton pulled off a massive coup by luring Carlo Ancelotti (above) to Merseyside and the Italian's influence, coupled with some shrewd Summer signings, has generated a monumental mood swing at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are currently top of the table having won their opening four games of the season, however, a bout with old foes Liverpool represents a real acid test for the rejuvenated Blues.
Outright Betting
Everton last got one over their local rivals 10 years ago and the Blues are big outsiders on Saturday at 3/1 with William Hill.
Four of the last six derbies at Goodison Park have ended all square and a repeat this weekend is trading at 16/5 with Bet 365.
Liverpool have avoided defeat in each of their last 22 meetings with Everton and the Reds go into this battle as 17/20 favourites with UniBet to claim Merseyside derby bragging rights.
Betting Angles
Goals have been in short supply during Goodison Park derbies in recent seasons – four of the last six showdowns have finished 0-0 – however, given how goal-crazy the Premier League has been this season it's difficult to make a case for opposing goals during this Merseyside dust up.
The Blues have banged in 12 goals across their opening four assignments of the season – the joint-highest goals for tally in the division – while Liverpool have chalked up 11 strikes across their first four fixtures of the campaign.
Having said that, both teams have displayed defensive frailties this term – collectively both rivals have shipped 16 goals across eight top-flight tussles thus far, with only two clean sheets to show between them.
The bookies are certainly expecting goals to be on the menu in Merseyside and that is reflected in the 8/15 on offer with William Hill for both teams to score, while over 2.5 match strikes is even shorter at 1/2 with Betfair.
Indeed, there is little value backing both teams to make the net bulge, however, adding in at least one Everton card via a Bet 365 Builder will nudge the price up to a nice looking 5/6 shot.
The above-mentioned betting angle would have banked profit in each of Liverpool's last two Premier League fixtures and I'm more than happy to side with a repeat this weekend given the plethora of attacking talent that will be on display, not to mention this fixture tends to be a fiery affair.
With that in mind, I'm going to throw in another Bet 365 Bet Builder at 11/10, namely, Liverpool double chance and Everton to collect over one card – a combination that clicked in both Premier League meetings last term.
I fully expect a response from Klopp's wounded Reds and given that Liverpool have scored at least two goals across their last six league matches, I fancy the reigning champions to avoid defeat when they come up against their arch-rivals this weekend.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool will be played on Oct 17, 2020 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
