Liverpool will face Everton at Anfield on Wednesday in a fixture that could have vastly different impacts for both sides. In the case of a Liverpool win, the Reds would go just 2 points short of bitter rivals Manchester United.
However, if Everton are able to do the unlikely and win, they will still remain mid-table.
Although, for Liverpool there are much higher priorities now that they’re in the Europa League Semi-final, Jurgen Klopp indicated by his team selection against Bournemouth that this fixture still has a huge importance for The Reds.
The German Manager made 10-changes to the squad that defeated Dortmund and therefore Everton should be ready to face a fully rested Liverpool squad on Wednesday.
One major concern for Liverpool in the buildup to this fixture is the fitness of Divock Origi. The Belgian endured a knock in his back against Bournemouth and is a doubt for this fixture.
However, while his importance cannot be denied looking at his form, Jurgen Klopp would be more concerned about keeping the Belgian fit for the all-important Europa League clash against Villarreal next week.
Apart from Origi, there are no new injury concerns for Reds. Emre Can has been ruled out for the whole of this season whereas the likes of Christian Benteke and Jordan Henderson are still some way short of achieving full fitness.
Looking at the recent history of this fixture, it is evident that The Reds enjoy an upper hand. Despite surviving a few tumultuous seasons over the last few years, we have to go back to 2010 to trace the last time Everton came out of this fixture as winners.
Since then, in 10 meetings between both these sides in the league, Liverpool have won 4, drawing the other 6 in the process.
However, with the style of play that Jurgen Klopp advocates, a draw looks a remote possibility for this fixture.
Here is how Liverpool are expected to lineup …
