There is so far a spring in the step of Everton this season, with blues supporters in self -assured spirits prior to the trip to Anfield.
Liverpool organizes their merseyside rivals on Saturday lunch-hopefully, the last-minute drama is not required for once this season!
The side of Arne Slot cannot afford to be rid of their game, with Everton that improves under David Moyes and does not lose since the opening day.
With the derby quickly approaching, we spoke tactically Matt with Blues Fan, Analyst and Podcaster (@Tacticallymatt) To view an example of Saturday’s promotion, including the most important battles in Anfield.
How happy are you with the start of Everton until the season?
I am very happy with the start of the season – the only frustrating thing is that we no longer have points.
Leeds was a profitable competition, but we didn’t show up and we should have beat Aston Villa on the weekend.
I expected a revival in shape, taking into account the new signing sessions, but they are quickly established and we are now sticking the rewards.
It is nice not to be mentioned in relegation for the first time.
Famous last words? I hope not.
Which three players noticed the most?
The obvious is Jack Grealish, right? It is difficult for him not to stand out with his hair and low socks.
James Garner has also been a highlight – perhaps more a surprising, given his inconsistency in recent years.
Same with Michael Keane, actually. This season he spoke super for Jarrad Branthwaite superly.
I would go with those three, but an honorable mention of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye.
What is the most important goal for this season?
My goal is to establish ourselves in the middle of the table.
Pushing on Europe would be too much for me, and we just have to take baby steps at the moment.
It is clear that we are currently in ‘European form’, given our competition position, but we may not be able to maintain that, so I would not want to get my hope.
Finish in the middle of the table/early stages of the upper half and rebuild next summer.
It has been of absolute hell for years, so there is no hurry to go too fast, especially with our team still quite thin.
What do you think of Everton’s new stadium?
Phenomenal. In my opinion they destroyed it.
Moving to a new stadium is always risky, because you can lose that compactness and proximity to the field, but they did a great job.
Gone fans also seem to love it, and you rarely see oppositions praising, given the tribalism in football!
How do you assess the start of Liverpool until the season? Title favorites?
Without sounding too bitter or controversial, I am not ridiculously impressed, compared to the competition position.
Of course, the mentality to get this last-minute winners shows character and a never-say-thin attitude, and it’s all about points, but I still think there is room for improvement.
To be honest, if I was a Liverpool fan, I would absolutely love it. There is nothing better than a last-minute winner and you will get one every week at the moment!
I think Liverpool must be title favorites.
I don’t think they have played particularly well, or at least not as good as their team has the potential to play, so if they set it up, they can create a bit of an early gorge at the top of the table.
As soon as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak shoot well, it becomes difficult for other clubs.
What is your best and worst memory of an Anfield Derby?
My best memory must be the victory at Anfield during Covid. Because of my age, and how terrible my team has been in these games, this is the only victory we have been three years old, so that must be.
The Phil Jagielka Belter to save a draw was also pretty great, but unfortunately there are not too many great memories.
The worst memory was probably when Curtis Jones was definitely one from outside the box.
I am used to losing in Anfield, so most of them are not too much on my mind, but it was such a profitable game with Liverpool who played a load of children, and we still managed to lose in it.
Main loss that day.
Looking ahead to Saturday, where will the most important battles take place?
The obvious is Grealisk versus who plays Liverpool on right back. On his day he can get better everyone, and it is an obvious area to recover.
Jeremie Frimpong plays more as a winger, Dominik Szoboszlai Tucks to midfield and Conor Bradley is still inexperienced, so there will be an interesting battle there.
Vitalii Mykolenko usually has a decent match against Mohamed Salah, so that will also be interesting.
I am a bit worried about the pace of the Liverpool attackers, since we currently do not have a Branthwaite.
Isak and/or Hugo Ekitike should find out.
Finally, what is your prediction?
I am sure that your site will be filled with Liverpool Win predictions, and understandable.
But the optimist in me says 1-1 draw, so I go with that.
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