Despite the match not being for another two weeks, attention in the media seems to have already turned to Everton’s upcoming Merseyside derby.
After all, it is a clash of paramount significance for both sides, with one vying for the title and another seeking to avoid the drop.
Naturally, only a win is enough for Liverpool to keep their ambitions alive, whilst anything other than a loss represents a great success for Sean Dyche.
With that in mind, he will likely hope to have secured points in their two matches beforehand, to make it so there is as little pressure as possible on this almighty fixture.
Gabby Agbonlahor makes early Merseyside derby prediction
Gabby Agbonlahor, fresh from lambasting Dominic Calvert-Lewin, would then move on to previewing this month’s Merseyside derby, which could have huge repercussions at both ends of the table.
And whilst many might assume that Liverpool will waltz to victory, the manner in which they narrowly snatched a draw at Old Trafford should give Everton hope that even sides wildly out of form can still challenge this super team.
However, the former Aston Villa striker was less than complimentary when assessing the Toffees’ chances, speaking live on talkSPORT (08/04, 07:42 am) earlier this morning: ‘The thing is, Everton, they were there for the taking against Burnley.’
Then, when asked by his co-host Alan Brazil about whether he sees them troubling Jurgen Klopp’s side, he noted: ‘I think they’ll put up a fight but I think Liverpool will find a way to get a result in that game. Just something about Everton mate, when you watch them defend sometimes they’re looking poor defensively, I mean going forward they don’t look too prolific.’
How Everton could cause Liverpool problems…
Whilst Everton will undoubtedly have to get a huge slice of fortune if they are to snatch a result from their fierce rivals, there have been key weaknesses shown at times this season that could be exploited.
After all, on Saturday they profited from some intelligent pressing from Calvert-Lewin, capitalising on Burnley’s tendency to overplay.
Should Liverpool’s injury woes persist by the time the derby rolls around, they may still have to play an inexperienced squad, increasing the likelihood of such crucial blunders.
The Toffees must press well, but press intelligently, ensuring that they do not overcommit and leave themselves liable to be punished by the vicious pace of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
Using the crowd will be a key factor in achieving success too, and such pressure from the Everton players could help invoke their passionate support in key moments.
Many of the factors that could aid their derby success are rather intangible, and just like United they will have to rely on fortune such is the gulf in quality.
But, if there was ever a time to pull a result out of the bag against their bitter rivals, now is the time.