Liverpool vs. Everton 2016: Prediction, Live Stream Info, Team News For Merseyside Derby

Liverpool will attempt to stay on the coattails of runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea when visiting Merseyside foe Everton on Monday. Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the derby nine points behind a Chelsea team that has won 11 matches in a row, but can go back up to second with a victory on what will be the Liverpool manager’s first visit to the home of his side’s city rival.

Indeed, ahead of Monday, Klopp admitted that his only experience of Everton’s famous old stadium was its appearance in the recent movie “Creed,” starring Everton fans Sylvester Stallone and boxer Tony Bellew. Still, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is no doubt as to the size of the occasion.

“Very, very, very, very big,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “The good thing around the derby is that I don’t have to say a lot because everybody knows what it is. For me, it’s pretty special because it’s my first time at Goodison Park.

“Yesterday night I watched the movie ‘Creed,’ that was my first impression of Goodison Park! I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a very important period or moment in the season for all of us. Both teams after the last games [are] in a good mood.”

After taking one point from its previous two matches, Liverpool bounced back with an impressive 3-0 win at Middlesbrough on Wednesday. It was a victory and a defensive shutout achieved with Simon Mignolet in goal after Klopp made the decision to bench previous starter Loris Karius.

The summer signing from Mainz had endured a stream of criticism for his performances in shipping five goals in his last two outings. And Klopp has confirmed that Mignolet will continue in goal on Monday.

Everton also grabbed a much-needed win last week. Following an impressive start under new manager Ronald Koeman, Everton had won just one of its last 10 matches to foster a growing mood of discontent at a club that has long been cast in the shadow of its neighbor from across the city.

But against in-form Arsenal on Tuesday the Goodison Park crowd played its part as Everton found its intensity and came back from behind to score a 2-1 win. Everton go into Monday’s game in ninth place in the Premier League table, 11 points behind Liverpool, but can climb to seventh with a win.

And Koeman is eagerly awaiting his first taste of a Merseyside derby.

“It’s not a normal match, we know about the derby rivalry between Liverpool and Everton but from my position [the task] is to prepare the team,” Koeman said on Friday. “Of course always in these kind of derbies you have an emotional part you need to control. We showed last Tuesday two different phases of the game and everybody

“The derby is all about the fans and we understand that but we need to be calm and prepare how we like to prepare. Everybody told me about the Merseyside derby and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Koeman will go into the game without the suspended Phil Jagielka, but Gareth Barry may return to Everton’s midfield. Liverpool, meanwhile, remains without Philippe Coutinho, but should have Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge back available. Defender Joel Matip will undergo a late fitness test.

Prediction: If Everton reproduces the performance it displayed in the second half against Arsenal then it can give Liverpool a tough challenge at Goodison Park. Given the atmosphere and Liverpool’s intense, attacking mentality, it also promises to be an entertaining contest. But, with the greater quality throughout the side, it is a match that Liverpool may just get the better of.

Predicted Score: Everton 2-3 Liverpool

Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. EST
TV Channel: NBCSN
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra