Everton vs. Liverpool: Team News, Preview, Live Stream and TV Info

Merseyside will grind to a halt on Monday night, as Everton and Liverpool get set to square off in the Premier League in what is sure to be a fascinating derby match.

The Toffees head into this clash with their nearest and not-so-dearest following on from a much-needed triumph over Arsenal. Goodison Park was a crescendo of noise, support and anger for that one, as the visitors succumbed to a 2-1 loss after taking the lead; the Everton fans will be looking for more of the same against the Reds.

But Liverpool are a fearsome proposition at the moment. After some recent struggles, Jurgen Klopp’s side were back at full throttle in the 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on Wednesday and will be confident of extending their exceptional record in this fixture.

Here are the key viewing details ahead of what’ll hopefully be another memorable encounter and a look at how both sides are shaping up ahead of this one.

Date: Monday, December 19

Time: 8 p.m. (GMT), 3 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK), NBCSN (US)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), NBC Sports App (US)

Team News

Everton: Manager Ronald Koeman has two long-term absentees in Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic, while captain Phil Jagielka is suspended for this one after his red card against Arsenal. Argentina international Ramiro Funes Mori looks set to step in.

Likely XI: Maarten Stekelenburg; Seamus Coleman, Ashley Williams, Ramiro Funes Mori, Leighton Baines; Idrissa Gueye, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley; Enner Valencia, Romelu Lukaku, Aaron Lennon

Liverpool: Divock Origi hobbled off against Middlesbrough but should be fit to feature, as should Joel Matip who missed the trip to the north east. Daniel Sturridge and Emre Can could also return to the squad, although Philippe Coutinho is still absent.

Likely XI: Simon Mignolet; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, James Milner; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana; Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino; Divock Origi

Team news courtesy of the Fantasy Football Scout

Preview

After the way Everton meekly surrendered in a 3-2 defeat to Watford on Saturday, few anticipated the kind of stirring performance that was put in against the Gunners on Tuesday.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Koeman packed the XI with energetic players to cope with Arsenal’s attacking flair, and throughout the game the side in blue clattered into tackles. The fans responded, and when Everton scored late on in both halves, there was a sense of inevitability about each goal.

As noted by Sky Sports’ Matt Cheetham, it was no surprise to see the team put in much more effort to this game than any other so far this campaign:

While a lot of Everton players have underperformed this season, Gueye has been a revelation since his summer move from Aston Villa.

The Senegal international has settled in superbly at the hub of Koeman’s side, adding a vital energy and defensive intensity to the way Everton play. In a summer of huge spending in the transfer market, his acquisition for a meagre £7 million represents tremendous value for the Toffees.

These numbers from Squawka Football sum up just how vital a player he has been so far this season:

Gueye will have to be at his very best on Monday, as Liverpool arrive at the home of their bitter rivals having found their attacking flow once again.

Middlesbrough may not be the highest quality of opponent, but they’ve shown defensive diligence and cohesion since their return to the Premier League. However, they were unable to live with the pace and penetration Liverpool showcased in the final third, something epitomised by the excellent Lallana.

LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

While the England international’s brace saw him grab the headlines, Origi quietly continued his impressive goalscoring form with another poacher’s finish. Sachin Nakrani of the Guardian feels the Belgium international deserves more credit after five goals in his last five games:

The Merseyside derby is always a frantic and ferocious match, although this one should be an intriguing tactical battle too. Everton will need to be cuter than they were against Arsenal and maybe seek to take the sting out of the game a little; a slugfest would play into the hands of the incisive visitors.

Liverpool are scoring goals for fun and will feel confident of cutting through Everton during the contest. However, the Toffees are unbeaten at home and will dig in to take a valuable point.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Liverpool