Reds to be singing in the Merseyside derby
The Premier League champions to-be, Liverpool, will play the Merseyside derby to kick-start the return to their top-flight campaign. Can Everton delay the inevitable? Have a read of our preview here:
They’ll get to finish after all
When lockdown started the big question that everyone was asking, in Premier League circles at least, was would Liverpool get to be crowned champions.
The answer appears to be yes. Jurgen Klopp’s men return to action on Sunday afternoon and what a way to bring back the, albeit crowdless drama than a Merseyside derby.
The Red half of Liverpool will get to celebrate the club’s first title since 1990 and even without fans and the big parade to top it off, it is still going to be a special moment.
This season has been a resounding success for Liverpool. They have been imperious and fully deserve to get their chance to claim glory on the pitch.
It would have been ridiculous to deny them the title, but getting it played out without having to resort to the PPG models seen lower down the divisions will make it that much more official.
The usual suspects will be key in this one. Virgil van Dijk is probably the best defender in the world while not many sides have a trio in attack as effective as Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamad Salah.
The well-oiled machine is going to take some stopping and it should be another three points and back to business for the Reds this weekend.
Everton are an expensive lot
With players and staff at Goodison Park agreeing to defer 50% of their wages, it was a reminder just how difficult this pandemic has been for football.
Everton has a huge wage big and already lose vast amount of money each year, so this decision will allow them some breathing space until the next payment of TV money arrives at the end of the month.
On the pitch, the campaign has been mixed. Carlo Ancelotti has helped turn around their fortunes, but they are without a win in three heading into this one.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has 13 goals this season for the Toffees while Richarlison has 10 strikes to his name, yet there is a feeling the early season form has really damaged the campaign, leaving Everton with little to play for.
Everton v Liverpool betting tip
It is no surprise that the Reds are massive favourites in this one but there is value to be had in backing an away win. With that in mind, we are going for a Liverpool win at odds of 1.6 with bet365.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Everton held out stubbornly for a 0-0 draw, leaving the Reds needing just five points for their first title since 1990