'Can't lie': Hugo Ekitike says he noticed something about Liverpool vs Everton after watching old YouTube clips
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Liverpool face Everton on Saturday lunchtime in the first Merseyside Derby of the new season.
Both sides have started the campaign well, with Everton enjoying something of a resurgence under legendary former manager David Moyes.
Sitting sixth in the Premier League table, the Blues head to Anfield with hope that they can interrupt Liverpool‘s perfect start to the season.
However, Moyes’ record at the home of the Reds is terrible, and Liverpool will go into the match as big favourites to take the three points.
One thing working in Everton’s favour could be the relative lack of Merseyside Derby experience within a much-changed Liverpool squad.
Hugo Ekitike is one of those set to make his first appearance in one of English football’s most iconic fixtures.
But while he may not have played against Everton before, Ekitike has been doing his own research and appears to know exactly what to expect.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Although Liverpool often come into these games in far better shape than their neighbours, they are rarely easy matches.
The Reds regularly get pulled into a dog fight with the Blues, and while they are in a good place currently, that may be the same on Saturday.
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Thankfully, Ekitike sounds to be prepared for a physical game.
“It’s exciting because when I came here they told me about straight away about the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool vs Everton is very important here.
You play this game to win, we have to win against them but it’s going to be a tough game.”
“We need to be ready for this war on Saturday,” Ekitike added.
“It’s going to be a tough, tough game but we are going to be ready.”
Despite the gap in quality between Liverpool and Everton, these games have far too often descended into battles of brawn rather than brain.
In order to get the win they really should, it is vital that the older heads in the Liverpool team ensure their younger teammates do not get drawn into that battle.
If they play like they did against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, there is a chance that Liverpool could blow the Blues away.
However, allow Everton to get a foothold in the game and play it the way they will come to do, it is likely to turn into another battle of wills.
Sadly, for all the hype, the Merseyside Derby rarely delivers in terms of excitement these days.
But Ekitike and Liverpool can bring a return to the good days by ignoring the occasion and simply playing the team in front of them.