Isak the hero? Grealish impact - Liverpool v Everton predictions ahead of Merseyside derby

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Everton and Liverpool will lock horns for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon when Anfield plays host to the 247th Merseyside Derby.

The club’s record there speaks for itself.

Everton haven't won at Anfield in front of a crowd in the 21st century, with their last victory against their rivals coming behind closed doors back in February 2021.

David Moyes will also be aiming to put an end to a plight that has cursed him throughout his career, as Saturday’s match will be his 23rd attempt to win at Anfield.

It all leads you to think that tomorrow’s game will be another that will go the way of the Reds, and that will probably be the case.

However, there is no doubting that this is the best Everton team to arrive to take on their rivals for a number of years.

In the shape of Jack Grealish, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, the Blues have a number of attacking players who could hurt the Reds.

But that being said, it is hard not to see past Arne Slot’s side making it six wins from six, with another Anfield Merseyside derby going the way of the Reds.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton

There's never been a better time to watch Liverpool.

I'm expecting a tense, tight match but with the quality they have, the Reds should be edging this one.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Liverpool's resilient streak may just be about to get it's toughest test yet.

Up steps Alexander Isak from the bench - after Hugo Ekitike is given the nod to start for his greater fitness levels - to get off the mark for his new club with a match-winning Merseyside derby goal.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Liverpool may have had the perfect record to start, but their performances have by no means been at that level.

The latest Merseyside derby could be a blockbuster.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-2 Everton

It's easy to see why Liverpool head into the Merseyside derby as the favourites, given Arne Slot has masterminded wins in each of his side's four Premier League outings this season and his starting XI, on paper, is arguably the best in the division.

The latter has recently found himself hooked in favour of Andrew Robertson, who has proven far more steady with his defensive duties.

With that said, I believe that Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai will play their part in tightening up at the back, and with the ruthless firepower of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah ready to pounce up top, it should be a walkover for Liverpool, unless the early kick-off curse rings true.

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Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Everton