A lot will be on the line when Liverpool make the short trip across Merseyside to lock horns with Everton.
For Liverpool, they have Premier League title matters on their mind, whilst Sean Dyche’s side aren’t yet safe from dropping down to the Championship.
On Sunday, Everton did secure a very important 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest to push themselves away from danger.
That means that the Toffees will go into the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night with more confidence and belief that they can ruin Liverpool’s season.
You would think that those in Everton colours would be thinking of getting three points to ensure their safety.
But ex-midfielder Leon Osman has other things on his mind as he also wants to stop Liverpool from winning the Premier League title.
Yes, the title is still in the hands of Manchester City, but if the Reds win their remaining matches, then the race will go to the final day, at the very least.
Nonetheless, Osman claimed that it would be a ‘great incentive for the blue half of Merseyside’ to beat their neighbours and knock them out of the title race, as he told Premier League Productions (21/04/24 at 7:25 pm).
Michael Owen was sat beside the former Everton player when he made those comments and he was quick to hit back by telling him ‘that’s how Everton fans think’.
Everton v Liverpool at Goodison Park
“I am not dreading it anymore,” said Osman about the Merseyside derby. “I am looking forward to it now. We are going in there with a bit of confidence. Goodison Park will be bouncing. If Everton can get another victory and back up this one (against Forest) with another three points, then they are nearly over the line with regards to Premier League safety.
“From an Everton perspective, the double side of that being the case and putting Liverpool out of the title race because that’s pretty much what it would be. It would be a great incentive for the blue half of Merseyside.”
Owen responded: “Yeah, that’s how Everton fans think. It’s all about stopping Liverpool. It’s a double-edged sword. I get what you are saying. I think it’s a free punch for Everton and it’s a game in hand for all the teams around them. They won’t be expected to get anything. If they could nick a draw, then it’s another point to safety. But for Liverpool, there is no room for error and they have to win.”
Jurgen Klopp’s final Merseyside derby
This is it. This will be Jurgen Klopp’s final bow in this historic derby clash and he will want to go out on a high.
Amid talk of who will be Liverpool’s next manager, this match has to be a must-win and nothing else.
Yes, Everton will want those three points also. But given that they are in a relegation battle and have winnable games coming up, such as Brentford and Luton Town.
Then a point would still suit them more, whilst it would probably just signal that Klopp won’t leave Liverpool with the Premier League title in hand.
