Everton vs Liverpool Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips: Back Salah to continue stunning form

Saturday sees the 255th instalment of the famous Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool. Both sides come into this game off the back of enthralling midweek games, so we could be in for an entertaining affair.

Liverpool’s incredible seven-game winning run ended dramatically in their 3-3 win over Newcastle. The Reds seemed to be heading for another win until Caoimhin Kelleher inexplicitly left Bruno Guimaraes’ teasing free kick, allowing Fabian Schar to slide in at the back post, sending the St James Park’ faithful into raptures.  

Arsenal’s win meant that they closed the gap to seven points heading into a hectic winter schedule in which Liverpool’s thin squad looks stretched. Still, Arne Slot will be satisfied with his side’s start to the season, winning 11 and losing just one of their 14 Premier League games. He will also take solace in that Everton has won just one of the last six derbies.  

A Sunday drubbing at the hands of Manchester United left Everton languishing perilously close to the drop zone after failing to score in four games around. Sean Dyche was also seemingly on the brink of the sack heading into Wednesday’s clash with Wolves, but his side reacted emphatically, winning 4-0 in a dominant display.  

The Toffees are now five points clear of relegation but face Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the next four games, so they may get dragged straight back into the scrap heading into the new year.  

In the final season at Goodison Park, Everton have failed to make it the fortress it can be, but there is no doubt it will be rocking on Saturday morning.  

Alexis Mac Allister was shown his fifth yellow card of the season against Newcastle, so he is suspended for this tie. Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to slot in for the Argentine. Alisson Becker is still battling a hamstring injury, so it is unsure whether he will regain his place on Saturday. Conor Bradley, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas remain out for an injury-stricken Liverpool.  

Everton remain quite fortunate on the injury front, with only James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam and Youssef Chermiti missing.

Mo Salah’s midweek brace against Newcastle made it goals in seven straight Premier League games as the Egyptian closes in on Jamie Vardy’s record of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games. 

The finish was cooly slotted away after some penalty area pinball, while his second epitomised the level that the 32-year-old is playing at. He has now moved above Erling Haaland in his pursuit of the Golden Boot with 13 goals, averaging 0.95 goals per 90. 

Since signing for the club in 2017, Salah has scored seven times against Everton. A defence that has already conceded 21 goals this season, he will fancy his chances of making it eight. 

In a derby, tempers are usually frayed. Overseeing this encounter is Michael Oliver, who will look to restore order and ideally keep his cards in his pocket. 

Still, the opportunity remains to take some foul bets. With Alexis Macallister now suspended, Ryan Gravenberch should start again. The Dutchmen was also booked, making it three yellow cards in succession. With a busy winter schedule, it would not be a surprise to see him pick up a tactical yellow card to miss the home tie with Fulham, so he is back for Tottenham away. 

Regardless, the 22-year-old has averaged 1.60 fouls per 90 in the Premier League, making a foul in 12 of his 14 starts. Gravenberch also draws a lot of fouls, being fouled on average 1.89 times per 90. 

Directly opposing him will be Idrissa Gana Gueye. The 35-year-old is a tenacious, tough-tackling midfielder who averages 2.11 fouls per 90. The Senegalese international has made a foul in his last two starts against Liverpool and all 11 starts this season. 

At the age of 39, Ashley Young remains a starter for Everton. He scored his first goal of the season spectacularly in the 4-0 win over Wolves. Young has committed 1.21 fouls per 90 minutes, committing a foul in 10/12 starts, including the last seven. He will be tasked with dealing with the tricky Luis Diaz, who is winning 1.36 fouls per 90 minutes.