Paul Merson is expecting something ‘different’ as he shares Merseyside derby prediction
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Paul Merson has predicted a tightly contested Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, forecasting a 2-1 victory for Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Liverpool's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, Merson expressed surprise at their performance level, suggesting they have been lucky so far and crediting their mental resilience and never-give-up attitude for their success.
Merson highlighted the improved quality in the Everton squad, noting that Everton has significant attacking weapons this season, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jack Grealish. He believes these players will make the derby more competitive than in recent years when Everton's approach was mostly defensive with little hope of winning away to Liverpool.
He also commented on the excitement around the match, stating it is the most thrills the Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton's home ground) team has brought into an Anfield derby in a long time. Everton fans are expected to bring hope and energy to the fixture, which could make the atmosphere intense and lively.
Despite Everton’s improvements and potential to challenge Liverpool, Merson still views Liverpool as the side most likely to secure the win, emphasizing their status as reigning Premier League champions and their capacity to capitalize on their mental toughness.
Overall, the prediction balances respect for Everton's progress and Liverpool's consistency, foreseeing a competitive game that narrowly favors the Reds but expects Everton to provide a serious challenge.
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