Renowned pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree with each other on their predictions for Liverpool’s clash against Everton.
The Reds take on their nearest rivals in the 241st instalment of the Merseyside derby this afternoon at Goodison Park in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to follow their dramatic victory over Newcastle United with another win against Everton.
Liverpool signed Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, however he will not be available for the short trip to Goodison due to international clearance. For the home side, they signed Idrissa Gueye and James Garner before the window closed, and will also have Neal Maupay available for his debut.
READ MORE: Full Liverpool squad available to face Everton as Darwin Nunez returns but Jordan Henderson out
Ahead of the game, Merson has provided his prediction for the match, and has handed out a 2-1 claim in favour of the Reds. The Sky Sports pundit has explained why he thinks Darwin Nunez will not be selected by Klopp in his first match back from suspension.
“Everton are working hard for Frank Lampard, and I like that,” Merson told Sportskeeda . "You always judge a team by how its players are doing, and they're working hard for their manager. I think they'll make it difficult for Liverpool this weekend.
“I watched Liverpool the other day, and they huffed and puffed against Newcastle. That was a mega result for them, to be honest. Darwin Nunez is back for this game, but I'd still go with Roberto Firmino. I'm not saying you punish Nunez for what he did, but he needs to work hard to get back into the team. Firmino was outstanding against Bournemouth, and he did pretty well against Newcastle the other night.
“Everyone seems to think this Premier League game is a foregone conclusion, but I don't share that view. There isn't much in this game, and Liverpool should be able to win, but only by the odd goal.”
Sutton has agreed with Merson’s prediction by also claiming that Liverpool will win 2-1 at Goodison. The former Blackburn striker has explained why he thinks the Reds will get the better of their Merseyside rivals.
“Everton haven't won a game yet and they are not going to start here,” Sutton told the BBC .
“They've got Idrissa Gueye back and Neal Maupay should be available, but Liverpool won comfortably at Goodison last season. I don't think it will be easy for them but I expect them to come out of the right side of it.
“Mo Salah hasn't got going yet and Liverpool really need to find a consistency, which they are working hard to get through at the minute, but I think they will have too much quality, even though Everton will be super aggressive at Goodison.”
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