Liverpool vs Everton: 3 key battles which could decide the Merseyside derby | Premier League 2018-19
The Merseyside rivalry is one for the ages, with Liverpool and Everton embroiled in a fiery battle for supremacy. Liverpool has been the dominant side for all these years, but The Toffees are indeed not ones to be taken lightly.
Jurgen Klopp's side has been going toe to toe with Manchester City at the top, and The Reds are unbeaten in the league and have conceded only 5 goals so far from the first 13 games. The acquisition of Van Dijk and Alisson has significantly improved the squad which is aiming for major silverware this season after missing out on the Champions League last time out.
Everton, on the other hand have shown signs of improvement under their new manager, Marco Silva. Last season, The Toffees had a dismal run of form until Sam Allardyce took charge of the club and ensured a top half finish. However, under Allardyce they played defensive football, relying heavily on set pieces and long balls, which isn't the case this time around.
Both sides have invested heavily in the transfer market, and have abundant options on the bench. Anfield is a fortress, this might force Marco Silva to arrange the team defensively, and rely on counter attacks with the likes of Walcott and Richarlison providing pace and width up front.
With quality players on both ends, here are three battles which could decide the course of the match.
#3 Mo Salah vs Mina/Keane
Whenever Liverpool plays, Mo Salah would be the first name on the mind of any opposition manager. The Egyptian started slowly this season, but now he is on a goal-scoring spree. His link-up play with Mane and Firmino has bamboozled many defenses in the league.
Both of Everton's centre backs have to be at their very best to deal with the guile and craft of Salah. Yerry Mina, who signed for The Toffees in the summer would have his first real test in an Everton jersey.