Everton vs. Liverpool: The Final Goodison Showdown Sparks Anticipation!

A Crucial Confidence Boost for Everton

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Everton secured a morale-boosting victory just in time for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche, under mounting scrutiny, delivered a resounding 4-0 win over Wolves midweek, quelling rumors about his job security. Despite sticking to a familiar formula of physical play, long balls, and set pieces, Everton's approach proved enough to dismantle their opponents.

Ashley Young opened the scoring with a free kick against a poorly positioned Wolves wall, followed by Orel Mangala’s stunning long-range effort. Two own goals from Craig Dawson sealed the victory for a team that had only won one of their previous six home matches.

Dyche, though relieved, remains grounded:

“The pressure you talk about is from the media. I haven’t felt any more pressure than usual. The win was important, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” he told local reporters.

A New Offensive Option Emerges

Everton fans have long relied on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but his isolation upfront has yielded just two goals in 14 Premier League games this season. Against Wolves, while he failed to find the net, Calvert-Lewin's presence caused chaos and contributed to both own goals.

The introduction of Armando Broja, making his delayed debut after an Achilles injury, offers new hope. On loan from Chelsea, Broja’s energetic 10-minute cameo midweek created three chances for Jack Harrison. With more options upfront, Everton will look to climb the table, beginning with this weekend’s historic derby.

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Liverpool’s Fragile Depth Exposed

Liverpool entered their midweek clash with Newcastle as league leaders, but rotation and injuries proved costly. Defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare, with Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez struggling under pressure. Even Virgil van Dijk found it tough against Alexander Isak, largely due to the defensive gaps created by teammates.

In attack, Darwin Núñez, chosen over Luis Díaz, failed to make an impact. While Mohamed Salah’s second-half brilliance seemed to save the day, a late error from Caoimhín Kelleher turned the match into a 3-3 draw.

In Need of a Striker

Pundits have praised Liverpool's squad depth, but the Newcastle game revealed critical gaps at the top of the pitch. Diogo Jota’s quality is undeniable, but injuries disrupt his consistency. Meanwhile, Núñez’s lack of finesse and finishing ability has worn thin the patience of fans. If Liverpool are to maintain their title challenge, reinforcements in January are essential.

Key Match Insights: Everton vs. Liverpool

Everton: After a 4-0 victory midweek, the Toffees seek back-to-back derby wins for the first time since 1985. Everton has scored in just one of their last four league matches at Goodison but showed rare scoring prowess against Wolves. Injuries to Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, and Youssef Chermiti, as well as Michael Keane’s knee issue, may limit options.
Liverpool: Undefeated in their last 12 away Premier League games, Liverpool’s 17 points from 7 away matches this season is second only to their 2019-20 title-winning campaign. Salah, with seven goals against Everton, is closing in on Steven Gerrard’s record (9). Arne Slot’s side is without Alisson, Ibrahima Konate, and Kostas Tsimikas, while Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa remain doubts.

Betting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals

With under 2.5 goals in 8 of the last 10 Goodison derbies, expect another low-scoring affair. Everton will likely focus on defensive solidity, while Liverpool’s reliance on Salah limits their attacking options.
Bet: Under 2.5 goals at Betsson (odds 2,17, 3 units)