The Merseyside derby is next Monday, however it has a very different feeling to it than previous years.
Both clubs find themselves in a precarious position, with Liverpool sitting 10th in the Premier League and Everton languishing in the bottom three.
Although, it is off the pitch issues which are largely dominating the headlines, with Liverpool owners FSG releasing a statement back in November confirming their intentions to sell the club.
David Lynch a Football journalist working for the Liverpoolworld said the mental impact of the previous season has had an impact on this seasons performances.
“I think the quadruple push from last season took a lot from their hearts and minds, the mental impact of getting so close is bound to have an impact.” Said Lynch
A lack of investment has also been highlighted by Lynch as part of Liverpool’s downfall.
“A lack of investment in the midfield has probably come home to roost this season, especially when the performances of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have dropped off massively. Said Lynch
“I think after the World Cup we were expecting a lift but with the performances getting worse, I believe that it is a mental issue with the players.”
Cody Gakpo was the only January addition for Klopp’s men, the Dutch forward has struggled for form since joining the Reds, failing to score in his first six games.
Gakpo’s form however is not the biggest issue for the red side of the city, with the lack of investment in the midfield leaving a large majority of the fan base baffled.
Thiago Alcantara was the last midfielder signed on a permanent transfer by Liverpool, with the failure to address this area of the pitch being highlighted by the loan deal for Arthur Melo.
The on loan Juventus midfielder is still yet to start a game for the Reds after getting injured in training.
The Blue half of Merseyside have also had their fair share of problems this season, although victory over league leaders Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime has given the Toffees a massive boost in their fight for survival.
Protests towards the board continued before the game with Everton fans singing “sack the board, back the team”.
Freelance journalist and contributor to The Toffee Blues, James Pendleton, emphasised the importance of the victory last weekend.
“Yeah, its massive, beating the best team in the league. The fans are now thinking they can beat anyone. Said Pendleton
“When we left the ground a huge weight was off our shoulders.”
Pendleton believes Dyche is the right man to lead the club out of the relegation zone.
“He was my number one choice, I said he should have been appointed in November after we were beaten twice in a week by Bournemouth. Said Pendleton
“Dyche will relish the opportunity next Monday to get a result, he (Dyche) is the type of manager who can get under Klopp’s skin.”
The ownership is still a massive issue for the fans, Pendleton points towards the protests on Saturday to highlight the discontent within the fanbase.
“I think if you saw the protests Saturday before the game, we are still not happy with the owners even with the appointment of Dyche. Said Pendleton
“I just want to focus on the team, Dyche is good at keeping out the noise and we haven’t had a manager like that since Ancelotti. So hopefully things improve.”
Everton will be hoping to make it back to back victories in the Premier League when the two sides meet next Monday.
While Liverpool will be desperate to get back to winning ways having failed to gain three points in their last five top flight games.
