The 265th Merseyside derby sees Everton hosting Liverpool in a match that is of significance for both teams as they both chase their respective goals for the season.
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The Toffees have had a resurgence since Carlo Ancelotti arrived at the club. The Italian tactician has managed to bring a sense of purpose and drive in the team that has seen them move from the jaws of relegation when he took over to the top half of the table before a run of three winless games just before the break saw them dropping into 12th place in the standings.
Everton have an outside chance to reach the top 6. The last thing they will want to see is the Red half of the city inching closer to the title on their turf while condemning them to further misery. This game gives them the perfect opportunity to salvage what is left for the season while trying to slow down the Red Army at the same time. Tough ask but certainly within the realm of possibility.
Liverpool stumbled a bit just before the break, but with an incredible 27 wins from 29 Premier League games so far this season, it is fair to say the 2019-20 Premier League season has belonged to Jurgen Klopp’s men, who are an astonishing 22 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. They only need 6 points to be crowned champions. A win here and another one against Crystal Palace next Wednesday will earn them the first top-flight title since 1990.
Liverpool have all the incentives to get the win here. Derby wins are always fun but this one will be particularly special as will it take them closer to the promised land. Whatever happens, it is still a matter of when, not if, Liverpool win it all this season.
Derbies are usually tough games to call. But with no fans allowed, that critical component of a normal derby day changes everything. This has actually been the case in the Bundesliga which resumed earlier where home teams have underperformed when compared to before the break. With this in mind and with the stakes for Liverpool, we are backing them to get the job done.
Betting Tip: Liverpool Win @ 1.63 with 1xBet Betting app
Although Liverpool also won 5-2 back in December, recent meetings between the two clubs have not been particularly high-scoring. This game has the feel of following that trend. Everton trying to stop their neighbours, while Liverpool just need a win of any kind. That odd goal might just be what it takes to decide the game and that points to a low scoring affair.
Tip: Goal Under 3.5 @ 1.48 with Bet9ja betting app
Liverpool have the best defence in the league. They have only conceded nine goals away from home this season, seven of them in the second half. 20 of the 34 goals seen at Goodison Park have also come after the break. We are backing this to continue.
Tip: Most Goals 2nd Half @ 2.00 with Bet9ja
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