In the highly anticipated Merseyside derby, Mohamed Salah has the opportunity to etch his name in football history. Since Dixie Dean’s remarkable feat in 1932-33, no player has managed to score two or more goals in both league meetings between Liverpool and Everton in a single season. Jurgen Klopp, who has never lost to Everton at Goodison Park during his tenure, will be determined to maintain that record as he leads Liverpool in his final Merseyside derby.
Liverpool’s recent resurgence, including a comfortable 3-1 victory at Fulham, has put them back in the title race. Everton, on the other hand, has secured a five-point cushion above the relegation zone following their win over Nottingham Forest. The pressure is on Liverpool to respond to Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 triumph over Chelsea. A victory would push Klopp’s team level on points with Arsenal, although they would trail on goal difference and remain four points behind Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
Liverpool will be without Diogo Jota for several weeks due to a muscular injury, leaving them without their sharpest finisher during a period when they have struggled to find the back of the net. Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Alexis Mac Allister, who started on the bench against Fulham, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Everton will make a late decision on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who picked up a knock in the win over Forest.
Historically, Liverpool has dominated the Merseyside derby, losing only one of their last 26 league meetings. Everton has failed to win at Goodison in 12 attempts and has not scored in the last four derbies. Liverpool, meanwhile, is eyeing their 100th victory in the history of the rivalry. As the teams prepare for the highly charged encounter, all eyes will be on Salah to see if he can create history and inspire Liverpool to a crucial victory.
