Liverpool host rivals Everton at Anfield tonight in a fascinating Premier League Merseyside derby. Jurgen Klopp’s side struggles continued last week in a resounding loss away at Wolves, leaving them just inside the top half and way off the pace in the race for the top four. Rarely has the German, who has won every major trophy available to him during his tenure at Liverpool, been under so much pressure.
Everton, meanwhile, are showing signs of life. Sean Dyche recorded a huge win during his first game in charge of the club after beating League leaders Arsenal and while difficulties remain, is surely feeling confident of causing another big upset tonight.
A fierce derby under the floodlights inside one of football’s most iconic stadiums, it is quite the way to finish another action-packed weekend. Follow all of the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Live updates
CHANCE FOR LIVERPOOL!
18 mins: Gakpo can’t quite steer his header goalward after Bajectic’s cross.
Great chance.
Little to split the teams
15 mins: A fascinating midfield battle so far, with few clear cut chances either way.
Real derby feel to this.
Wasted
10 mins: Salah smacks it straight into the wall.
Free-kick for Liverpool
08 mins: Nunez does very well to win a free-kick on the edge of the box, winning a foul from Tarkowski.
Good so far!
07 mins: Salah weaved his way into the box but saw blue shirts blocks off his shot at goal.
Everton, meanwhile, look dangerous when playing on the last line
Early mistake from Matip
05 mins: The Liverpool defender completely misses a clearance but Simms cannot convert.
Everton pressing high
03 mins: Early days of course but the visitors aren’t totally sitting back. Similar set-up to the one that served them so well against Arsenal.
KICK-OFF
0 mins: We’re underway at Anfield!
Sean Dyche has “no sympathy” for Jurgen Klopp
“There is no sympathy in football, only empathy. As a manager you have an understanding of others. He certainly doesn’t want or need my sympathy, trust me.”
I also asked him whether Klopp would still be with the Reds next season, but it’s not a subject Dyche wanted to get into that.
“My focus is solely on Everton,” he said.