Saturday sees the return of the Premier League after another international break and that means a Cardiff visit to Goodison Park but I like many others already have one eye on the Merseyside Derby the following weekend. Every Everton fan knows we are in no position to be underestimating any opponent but it’s hard not to look ahead with such a big game on the horizon.
You have to go back to 1999 for the last time Everton won at Anfield when Kevin Campbells strike four minutes from time sealed a 1-0 victory. This may be the best chance the Blues have had to win since.
After significant investment over the last couple of seasons Everton have a strong squad full of internationals and players who are used to playing on the big stage and won’t be intimidated by the atmosphere at Anfield.
Everton have already shown this season they are a side with more backbone with an impressive display at Stamford Bridge last time out and the 0-0 was the least they deserved. The Blues have also put up fine displays in defeat this season at Old Trafford and at the Emirates were better quality in the final third could of seen a completely different outcome.
No doubt the impact of the summer signings has been crucial in this development. Richarlison who came over from Watford in the summer for £50 million currently leads the team with six goals, Andre Gomes has been a calming influence in the centre of the midfield and Bernard, Lucas Digne and Kurt Zouma have all chipped in with assists as well as solid performances.
The improvement of second season signings Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michael Keane have helped a lot. Sigurdsson since moving back to his preferred number 10 role this season has scored 5 goals already, just one behind Richarlison and he currently leads the team with two assists. Keane has been very solid at the back leading the team in aerial battles won and clearances and he has formed a very nice partnership with Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defence.
That defence will have their hands full a week on Sunday going against one of the best attacking trios the Premier League has ever seen in Salah, Mane and Firmino but before they can’t turn their attentions to causing havoc in the Everton back line they face a tough away trip to Paris St Germain just four days before. It’s highly unlikely Klopp will risk resting any of his stars as a poor result in Paris would put Liverpool’s Champions League campaign in serious jeopardy and force a must win showdown with Napoli at Anfield. This gives Everton a massive advantage with a full week to prepare for the game.
After 17 failed attempts and much heartbreak it would be foolish to get ahead of ourselves but on a day that most Evertonians wake up on in a cold sweat, it could end with massive celebration.