December 24, 2024

Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as Darwin Nunez and Neal Maupay start

Maupay #Maupay

Everton host Liverpool in a timely Merseryside derby as both teams go in search of a valuable three points at Goodison Park. Frank Lampard has been frustrated by his team’s inability to hold onto leads after conceding late equalisers to both Brentford and Leeds leaving the Toffees without a win from their opening five games in the Premier League.

Their squad has been boosted by a couple of deadline day signings that saw midfielder James Garner arrive from Manchester United and 32-year-old Idrissa Gana Gueye return to the club after three years at Paris Saint-Germain. Neal Maupay is also is for a debut after being ineligible against Leeds and should bring some control and threat to Everton’s forward line.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season too and come into the derby having won two league games from five with the latest of those thanks to a last-gasp winner from Fabio Carvalho against Newcastle.Jurgen Klopp admitted that the Reds needed reinforcements in midfield due to their injury crisis and they brought in Juventus’ Arthur Melo before the window closed. He won’t feature today but Darwin Nunez is back after serving a three-match suspension for headbutting Joachim Andersen in the match against Crystal Palace.

Follow all the action from the Merseyside derby as Liverpool travel to Everton:

Everton vs Liverpool

  • Everton XI: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko, Davies, Onana, Iwobi, Gray, Maupay, Gordon

  • Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Elliott, Carvalho, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

  • 34’ POST! Davies rattles the woodwork after a slick Everton move

  • 43’ POST! Liverpool hit the woodwork twice in a number of seconds through Nunez and Diaz

  • 65’ TOP SAVE! Pickford denies Firmino low to his right and then again up close from a header at a corner

  • 66’ HUGE CHANCE! Maupay misses from close-range after a superb Everton counter-attack, fired straight at Alisson

  • Everton FC 0 – 0 Liverpool FC

    GOAL! Everton 1-0 Liverpool (Coady, 69’)⚽️

    13:57 , Michael Jones

    Story continues

    69 mins: Conor Coady scores for Everton! Demarai Gray swings a cross in from the right wing and finds Neal Maupay on the opposite side of the penalty area.

    Maupay drives the ball across the face of goal as James Milner lunges in for a tackle. Coady is wide open and taps the ball into the back of the net.

    But, is he offside? VAR is going to check.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:55 , Michael Jones

    66 mins: Chance! Oh Everton should be in front. After Pickford’s heroics they fly up the pitch on the counter-attack and Neal Maupay is played in on goal.

    He’s just got Alisson to beat but goes for power and blasts it at the Liverpool goalkeeper who keeps it out with a body block.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:53 , Michael Jones

    65 mins: Save! An Everton corner is cleared by Van Dijk and Liverpool drive up the pitch. Milner whips a long ball across to Diaz who guides it into the box for Nunez.

    Nunez drops it down to Firmino who shoots and forces Pickford into a sharp save to his right.

    Pickford is called into action again from the corner as Firmino has another effort guided towards the bottom corner. The Everton goalkeeper keeps it out but Van Dijk recycles the ball.

    He flicks it to Diaz who lays a pass off to Fabinho. Fabinho turns a shot towards goal but Pickford is well positioned to turn it away once more!

    Brilliant goalkeeping from the Everton man.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:50 , Michael Jones

    62 mins: Idrissa Gana Gueye returns for Everton. He’s a popular figure at Goodison Park thanks to his previous stint at the club and Frank Lampard brings him on with just under 30 minutes of this derby to go. Tom Davies is the man replaced.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:47 , Michael Jones

    59 mins: Patterson puts the ball behind for a Liverpool corner that Tsimikas curls in toward Van Dijk. He wins the header but knocks it straight out of play.

    Jurgen Klopp decides to make a double change now. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas are both taken off with James Milner and Andy Robertson brought on.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:45 , Michael Jones

    57 mins: There’s a scrap between Alex Iwobi and Harvey Elliott in midfield with the Everton man winning the battle. He comes away with the ball and scoots inside of Fabinho before having a shy at goal from a long way out.

    The shot isn’t good and Alisson watches it fly wide of the far post

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:43 , Michael Jones

    54 mins: Darwin Nunez drops into midfield to help Liverpool amount defensively before receiving the ball. He slides it down the right wing and makes a run back into his more central position.

    Salah collects the ball out wide and drives up towards the penalty area before delivering a lacklustre cross. The ball hits Conor Coady and deflects nicely to Nunez who shoots but doesn’t trouble Jordan Pickford.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:38 , Michael Jones

    51 mins: Everton are living dangerously at the start of this half. Liverpool work it into the box again with Nunez and Firmino both throwing themselves at the ball.

    Everton scramble to clear it but the ball bobbles to Tsimikas on the left side. He’s got a really narrow angle to shoot from and lets fly but his effort continues to rise and heads over the crossbar.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:36 , Michael Jones

    48 mins: Kostas Tsimikas slides the ball down the left wing where Luis Diaz is bombing into space. He brings the ball under control carries up to the box before sliding a pass into Darwin Nunez.

    Nunez attempts to turn it towards goal with his first touch but scuffs the shot and sends it well wide of goal.

    Second half: Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:33 , Michael Jones

    Kick off: Jurgen Klopp has made a change for Liverpool bringing on Roberto Firmino in place of Fabio Carvalho. That probably means a change in formation too leaving the Reds with just Harvey Elliott and Fabinho in midfield.

    No changes for Everton.

    HT Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:30 , Michael Jones

    Darwin Nunez can become the second player to score in both of his first two Premier League away appearances for Liverpool, emulating Jan Molby in August 1992.

    He’s already hit the crossbar in the first 45 minutes of this one.

    (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    HT Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:26 , Michael Jones

    Everton have won just one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D12 L10), winning 2-0 at Anfield in February 2021 under Carlo Ancelotti.

    HT Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:22 , Michael Jones

    (PA)

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    (Getty Images)

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:22 , Jack Rathborn

    (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    (AFP via Getty Images)

    (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Half-time: Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:18 , Michael Jones

    45+2 mins: Everyone relax. There’s nothing to separate the teams as they head into the half-time break. It’s been a physical and entertaining encounter that has seen both teams hit the woodwork.

    Liverpool need to get Mo Salah into the game more and be more disciplined in midfield. Everton will be delighted with those first 45 minutes.

    They’ve taken the attack to the Reds and almost earned their reward.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:15 , Michael Jones

    45 mins: Both teams have hit the frame of the goal now and yet the match remains goalless. Kostas Tsimikas swings a corner into the middle and finds Virgil van Dijk but his headed effort is blocked by Tom Davies.

    There’s going to be two minutes of added time to play in the first half.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:14 , Michael Jones

    43 mins: Off the woodwork!

    Oh my days. Liverpool send the ball over the top and pick out Darwin Nunez in the box. He takes a touch and smokes an effort at goal only for Jordan Pickford to leap to his right and tip it onto the crossbar!

    The ball rebounds out to Luis Diaz on the left side. He cuts back into the penalty are and shoots with his right foot. Diaz absolutely nails it and cracks the right hand post but the ball bounces back into play and gets cleared!

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:10 , Michael Jones

    40 mins: Carvalho and Onana’s clash of knees keeps the midfielder on the floor but the physios have come on to check him over. Liverpool’s new signing Arthur Melo has been sent out to warm up but Carvalho seems okay to play on.

    Chance! The set piece is swung in towards Fabinho who knocks the ball to Mo Salah. Salah lifts the ball back into the box where Darwin Nunez drives to the ball and heads his effort over the crossbar.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:08 , Michael Jones

    37 mins: Liverpool are just slowing the game down after that Everton chance. It’s been the best one of the game by far and the visitors are just trying to assert some control on the ball.

    Amadou Onana arrives late on Fabio Carvalho and gives away a free kick. He also picks up the first yellow card of the match.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:04 , Michael Jones

    34 mins: Off the post! How have Everton not scored?

    Gordon nails Diaz on the edge of the Liverpool box and sends it out to Gray who dribbles into the box. He can’t get through and knocks it back to Patterson whose cross is cleared out to Fabio Carvalho.

    Carvalho has his pocket picked and Everton feed the ball back into the box to Neal Maupay. His first touch is poor but the ball comes loose to Tom Davies who drills one with the outside of his right foot and rattles the far post!

    That was so, so close to being the opening goal.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    13:00 , Michael Jones

    31 mins: Gordon receives the ball on the left side of the pitch and cuts inside before curling a pass over to the far side of the box. Demarai Gray makes his way into the area and is in loads of space but the ball sails over his head and bounces behind.

    Gray gives Gordon a thumbs up for the idea though.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:57 , Michael Jones

    28 mins: Kostas Tsimikas curls the most recent Liverpool free kick into the Everton box and Luis Diaz makes a run into space. The ball drops just in front of him but he can’t reach it to turn the ball towards goal.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:56 , Michael Jones

    25 mins: Liverpool attempt to fly forward on the counter attack and almost set up a three on one attack as Diaz, Nunez and Salah are high up the pitch.

    The dropping ball comes to Nunez but he fails to control it properly and Jordan Pickford tidies up.

    The game is becoming increasingly more physical. Gordon gets fouled, then fouls Tsimikas in return. Gomez is involved in another altercation.

    The Everton supporters are getting worked up.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:53 , Michael Jones

    22 mins: An Everton free kick is floated into the Liverpool box where Virgil van Dijk leaps and flicks it behind for a corner.

    Everton whip it into the box and Alex Iwobi glances it on to Luis Diaz. He scrambles it away but only picks out Anthony Gordon on the edge of the box. Gordon attempts to curl a side-footed effort into the bottom right corner but Alisson drops low and smothers it.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:49 , Michael Jones

    19 mins: Close! Gordon tries to run the ball away from Everton’s final third but he’s tackled but Gomez who manages to knock the ball down the right wing.

    Alexander-Arnold keeps it in play and whips a first time cross over to Darwin Nunez who’s arriving just outside the back post. He leaps above Patterson but guides his headed effort wide of goal.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:46 , Michael Jones

    16 mins: It’s good composure from Alexander-Arnold to link up with Joe Gomez and beat the press of Anthony Gordon. The Liverpool right-back then fires a long ball up to Luis Diaz who tries to control it with his chest as the ball skips into the box.

    Jordan Pickford is off his line to close him down and Diaz can’t stop the ball from rollling out for a goal kick.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:43 , Michael Jones

    13 mins: Harvey Elliott is an enterprising midfielder who likes to drive into the box on and off the ball. That said his runs do leave space in midfield that Everton are exploiting to quickly transition up the pitch.

    Nathan Patterson and Luis Diaz get into a bit of a tangle and the referee has a word with both men. It’s nice defending from the Everton man who’s getting stuck into his work today.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:41 , Jack Rathborn

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    (Getty Images)

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    (Getty Images)

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:39 , Michael Jones

    10 mins: Chance! Harvey Elliott misplaces a pass to Fabinho and Everton latch onto the loose ball. Gray drives to the box and slips it through to Maupay whose first touch takes it behind Virgil van Dijk.

    He looks to shoot with an effort across the box but he scuffs his connection and sends it wide of the far post.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:38 , Michael Jones

    8 mins: Fabinho leans across Anthony Gordon in the middle of the pitch and gifts the home side a free kick. Coady fizzes one long and picks Demarai Gray on the right side.

    He delivers a decent cross into the box but Neal Maupay can’t reach it and the ball skips safely through the area.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:36 , Michael Jones

    7 mins: Liverpool have started strongly. They’re finding lots of success with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott combining on the right side.

    Conor Coady is called into action to head clear a cross from Elliott but Liverpool continue to pile pressure on the Everton defence.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:34 , Michael Jones

    5 mins: Liverpool’s first corner is swung into the middle by Trent Alexander-Arnold but the Toffees work it away. The ball drops kindly for Kostas Tsimikas just outside the box and he drills a low effort at goal but Tarkowski is there once more to get the block in.

    Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:33 , Michael Jones

    3 mins: Virgil van Dijk swings an aerial pass over to Mo Salah on the right wing and the Egyptian stops the ball dead. He flicks a left-footed pass into the box as Darwin Nunez splits the Everton centre-backs but James Tarkowski gets to it first and sends it behind for a corner.

    Kick off: Everton 0-0 Liverpool

    12:31 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool kick off the match and work the ball over to the left wing where it bounces out of play for an Everton throw in. The homse side send it down the line but the Red recover the ball and push back into Everton’s half.

    Klopp on Liverpool’s shaky defence

    12:27 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool’s most recent trend has seen them concede the first goal in four of their five Premier League matches this season and is a problem that Jurgen Klopp is yet to solve.

    “I am not 100% sure what it is about [conceding the first goal].” he said before kick off. “We try to be dominant from the start and that will be difficult today because of what is at stake and it is Goodison and I am sure it will be a lively and aggressive start from Everton. We have to be ready. At the end, football is all about reaction. When the other team has a goal you have to respond to that. I hope at some point in the season we don’t have to talk about this anymore.

    “Bobby [Firmino] is in top shape but came back injury and has now played a lot. Darwin [Nunez] is fresh so that is the reason [he plays]. We had to change in midfield, it was clear. We had Milly [Milner] or Fabinho. We decide for Fabio as Milly can come on for five positions. Kostas [Tsimikas] for Robbo [Robertson] is just time. Robbo plays all the time and when we can make a change unforced we should do it.

    “[Demarai] Gray will go to the wing and [Neal] Maupay will go up front [for Everton]. He is a lively boy, very aggressive. Good player. Everton did really well last few games. They have found a system now. Press from time to time. Direct style. When [Jordan] Pickford gets the ball he goes pretty long. Makes the pitch long. It is a challenge for our team, fight for lots of second balls.”

    Pre-match thoughts of Frank Lampard

    12:25 , Michael Jones

    The Everton boss spoke to BT Sport before kick off saying: “Our performances have been good. we’ve lacked a little something along the way to get that win. We’ve deserved it. It is a big opponent in front of us today, big derby. We focus on the game in hand.

    “We couldn’t register him [Maupay] for the last two. But he is in now and has trained with us all week, which he helps. He can bring to the table what we brought him to the club for, which is hold up play and hopefully goals. It has been a protracted transfer [Gueye], where he has been travelling a lot. We would like to have got him straight in but we need to be sensible and to be fair to the midfield at Leeds, they worked really hard.

    “Liverpool are always dangerous in any moment. That is the style they have worked on over many years. Intense team, always a threat on the counter and build-up. And they will keep going. That is what top teams do. We have to do the same.”

    Salah enjoys Goodison Park

    12:24 , Michael Jones

    Mo Salah has scored 144 goals and assisted 49 in the Premier League since making his debut in February 2014.

    During this period Raheem Sterling is the only player to reach 100 goals and 50 assists (107 goals, 53 assists) despite Salah spending two and a half seasons in Serie A.

    Three of Salah’s four Premier League goals for Liverpool against Everton have come at Goodison Park. Only Michael Owen, with four, has scored more away goals for the Reds against the Toffees in the competition.

    (Getty Images)

    Three in three for Gordon?

    12:21 , Michael Jones

    At 21-years-old Anthony Gordon can become the youngest Everton player to score in three consecutive Premier League games since Romelu Lukaku did so aged 20 in October 2013 and the youngest Englishman since 19-year-old Francis Jeffers in September 2000.

    He scored in both draws against Brentford and Leeds.

    (Getty Images)

    Will Coleman feature for Everton?

    12:18 , Michael Jones

    Seamus Coleman is set for his 18th Premier League appearance in Merseyside derbies, equalling the Everton record held by Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Leighton Baines and Leon Osman.

    But he’ll have to come off the bench to do so.

    (Getty Images)

    Reds on target

    12:15 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool have scored in 52 of their last 53 Premier League matches. The exception was a 1-0 defeat at Leicester City on 28th December 2021.

    (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Everton’s home form

    12:12 , Michael Jones

    In 2022, all six of Everton’s Premier League defeats at Goodison Park have been by a single-goal margin (four 1-0, two 3-2).

    The most recent club to win a top-flight away fixture versus the Toffees by more than one goal were Liverpool, in the 4-1 victory last season.

    Everton can remain winless in each of their opening three home matches for the first time since 2014/15 under Roberto Martinez.

    Lampard vs Klopp

    12:09 , Michael Jones

    Frank Lampard has lost all four of his Premier League meetings with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, with his sides conceding at least two goals each time.

    Lampard has had 80 Premier League matches as a manager (57 for Chelsea, 23 for Everton). He picked up 69 points in his first 40 games, but only 49 points in the 40 fixtures since.

    (Getty Images)

    Can Liverpool win away from home?

    12:06 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool could lose consecutive Premier League away fixtures for the first time since February 2017 – when they lost 2-0 at Hull City and 3-1 at Leicester.

    The Reds last failed to win any of their first three away league games in a single campaign in 2010, when they went four without a win under Roy Hodgson.

    Everton vs Liverpool

    12:03 , Michael Jones

    Derby day.

    (Getty Images)

    (Getty Images)

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    Liverpool yet to win on the road

    12:00 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool have scored 40 winning goals in the 90th minute in the Premier League, 12 more than any other side but they are yet to win on the road this season, having won seven of their last eight away from home in the league in 2021/22.

    So far this season they’ve drawn 2-2 at Fulham and lost 2-1 away to Manchester United.

    Good signs for Everton?

    11:56 , Michael Jones

    Everton could draw four successive Premier League games for the first time since a run of four ended in November 2012, a sequence which included a 2-2 home draw with Liverpool.

    The Toffees are averaging five shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, their highest since 2016-17 and up from their average of 3.6 last season

    Everton vs Liverpool

    11:52 , Michael Jones

    Everton’s current run of 11 Premier League home matches without a win versus Liverpool is their longest in the top flight at Goodison Park against a single opponent.

    The Merseyside derby has seen an unrivalled 22 red cards in the Premier League era.

    ‘I gave him a slap’: Jurgen Klopp sure Darwin Nunez has learned his lesson after red card

    11:49 , Michael Jones

    Jurgen Klopp said Darwin Nunez has learned the lesson from his red card against Crystal Palace and joked that he slapped him on the neck to ensure he does not forget it and lose his cool again.

    The Uruguayan striker is available after a three-match ban for headbutting Joachim Andersen and could make his comeback in the potentially intense atmosphere of a Merseyside derby on Saturday.

    “He is really happy that he isn’t suspended,” Klopp said. “Always I give him a high five but I gave him a slap on his neck as well, just that he doesn’t forget.”

    Jurgen Klopp sure Darwin Nunez has learned his lesson after red card

    Klopp on Darwin’s ban

    11:45 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool forward, Darwin Nunez, was sent off against Crystal Palace after headbutting defender Joachim Andersen. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp says he can’t guarantee that Nunez won’t be sent off again but he will strive to do his talking on the pitch.

    “He is a wonderful young man but he has emotions as well,” Klopp said. “He made a mistake but we didn’t speak for the full 15 days about it, telling him ‘you have to calm down’.

    “How we want to think in these situations is that we pay back with football, if Darwin plays then he has to be ready for these things. When a player is talking to you a lot or is really physical, then he is not in his own game, and he [Nunez] has to use these kind of moments as well.

    “If the other one is too busy wanting to distract him, you just have to use it from a football point of view.

    “For the Crystal Palace game, when the defender is searching for this constant contact, then go from there and you decide when you start the movement.

    “Will it never happen again? I don’t know, but I am pretty sure nothing will happen in the next game.”

    Everton vs Liverpool

    11:41 , Michael Jones

    This will be the 241st meeting in all competitions – Liverpool have 97 wins, Everton 67. It is the most-played derby in the top division.

    In all competitions, the Reds have won more games against Everton at Goodison Park than they have lost (41 versus 40), while a win will give them the lead in league games at the ground.

    Everton vs Liverpool team changes

    11:35 , Michael Jones

    Frank Lampard makes just one change to the Everton starting XI that line-up against Leeds last time out. Neal Maupay comes in to replace Dwight McNeil in the forward line.

    Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, makes three changes to his Liverpool team. Kosts Tsimikas comes into the defence to replace Andy Robertson at left-back with Fabio Carvalho slotting into midfield in the place of Jordan Henderson with Darwin Nunez returning from a suspension at the expense of Roberto Firmino.

    Everton vs Liverpool line-ups

    11:30 , Michael Jones

    Everton XI: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko, Davies, Onana, Iwobi, Gray, Maupay, Gordon

    Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Elliott, Carvalho, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

    Everton vs Liverpool

    11:27 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool can win back-to-back fixtures at Goodison Park for the first time since a run of three victories between 2007 and 2009.

    Everton have won four of the last five Premier League Merseyside derbies when they scored the opening goal but those five games cover a 17-year period from 2004 to 2021.

    Anthony Gordon to Chelsea ‘never got close to happening’, Everton boss Frank Lampard reveals

    11:23 , Michael Jones

    Everton boss Frank Lampard insists Anthony Gordon never came close to leaving Goodison Park.

    Gordon was the subject of strong interest from Chelsea in the transfer window, with Everton rejecting a reported £45million bid from the Londoners for the 21-year-old forward.

    Lampard had made it clear that he wanted Gordon to stay on Merseyside, and he got his wish when the transfer window closed on Thursday night.

    “It never got close to happening,” Lampard said on the interest around Gordon as he spoke ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

    Anthony Gordon to Chelsea ‘never got close to happening’

    Everton vs Liverpool

    11:18 , Michael Jones

    Everton have won just one of their last 23 Premier League games against Liverpool with that being a 2-0 victory at Anfield in February 2021.

    Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 11 league games away to Everton with three wins and eight draws. The last time they lost at Goodison Park in the top-flight was a 2-0 defeat in October 2010.

    Injury updates from Klopp

    11:13 , Michael Jones

    Jurgen Klopp gave a few updates on Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota’s injuries when he spoke to the media on Friday. On Liverpool’s captain Klopp said:

    “Nothing yet. We are still waiting for the result [following a hamstring injury] to be honest. It was now only 12.30 or so; I asked before I came here and [we] didn’t get a result yet.

    “He is definitely out, he is injured, but the extent I don’t know.”

    Klopp added that Jota is likely to be available for Saturday’s trip to Goodison Park though he probably isn’t ready to play a full 90 minutes.

    “Diogo probably will be in as well, he trained yesterday with the team first time. He will train today,” said the Liverpool boss.

    “I have to make a decision, does it make sense that we involve him already or not? But if, it is the first time we have five attackers – sounds like Christmas!”

    Lampard excited for Merseyside derby

    11:08 , Michael Jones

    Frank Lampard insists his team must match intensity and passion of Evertonians when they face Liverpool is today’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

    Seaking at his pre-match press conference Lampard explained why the derby is a game like no other.

    “I understand what this game means,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to take part in a lot of London derbies, but when you’re talking about a city like Liverpool and what it means to both clubs… The city is so 50/50 and it ramps up the intensity of the game and what it means to the fans.

    “It’s my first Merseyside derby at Goodison and I’m excited about that fact.

    “We’ll have a home crowd behind us before the game and during the game. We have to perform with the same passion they’re going to turn up with.”

    Everton vs Liverpool early team news

    11:03 , Michael Jones

    Everton forward Neil Maupay is set to make his debut today after he was ineligible for the draw at Leeds United. Idrissa Gueye may also feature after re-signing with the club on deadline day.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure are back in training but not yet available.

    For Liverpool, Darwin Nunez is back after a suspension and Diogo Jota has returned to training though may not be up to match fitness.

    Jordan Henderson is sidelined with a hamstring issue and the Reds are still waiting to find out the full extent of the injury whilst loan signing Arthur is not expected to receive international clearance until Saturday and wil not play a part in today’s derby.

    Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to turn his frustration into Liverpool goals

    10:57 , Michael Jones

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to use being targeted by opposition defenders to his advantage.

    The Reds striker returns to the fold for Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Everton after serving a three-match ban for his red card on his home debut against Crystal Palace.

    The former Benfica man lost his cool and headbutted Joachim Andersen, which earned him an instant dismissal in the August 15 clash.

    The eyes of Premier League defenders would have lit up when they saw how easily the 23-year-old was triggered and they will surely try to antagonise him.

    But Klopp says if the opposition become preoccupied with trying to get a reaction out of Nunez then he can take advantage.

    Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to turn his frustration into goals

    Frank Lampard sounds warning after Everton’s summer transfer window

    10:49 , Michael Jones

    Frank Lampard has warned Everton have not solved all their problems in one transfer window and cannot “go to the moon” quickly.

    While Lampard made eight summer signings, Everton only narrowly avoided relegation last season and then lost top scorer Richarlison.

    And Lampard believes he is at the start of a long-term rebuilding job as he said they should not be expected to finish in the top six or eight this season.

    “It could take longer,” he said. “History tells you when you are building for something it takes time and there are bumps in the road. You are working against others who are very stable and have invested again.”

    Frank Lampard sounds warning after Everton’s summer transfer window

    Everton vs Liverpool

    10:37 , Michael Jones

    Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Merseyside derby as Everton host Liverpool in the Premier League. Both teams are in need of points with Frank Lampard’s side hovering just above the relegation zone having failed to win any of their opening five matches. Liverpool meanwhile are seven points adrift from the top of the table will want to keep their winning run going following Fabio Carvalho’s last minute winner against Newcastle last time out.

    Both clubs have been active in the transfer window with Everton bringing in James Garner and Idrissa Gueye on deadline day. More importantly for them, forward Neal Maupay is available to play today and will provide experience as a target point in the frontline something that the Toffees have been missing in this early matches.

    Liverpool’s midfield injury crisis forced them back into the market against their initial plans and Arthur Melo has arrived from Juventus. If Jurgen Klopp can bring out the best in the temperamental midfielder he could prove a vital assest to the team going forward. Darwin Nunez has served his three-match ban and brings some depth to the attack and Diogo Jota may get a few minutes after returning to training for the Reds.

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