Divock Origi Says Merseyside Derby Will Be a 'War' Before Everton vs. Liverpool

Liverpool star Divock Origi has predicted Monday's Merseyside derby with Everton will be "a war."

Per the Guardian's Andy Hunter, he said: "It will be a war, so we go there in a very positive way. You want to win this game. You know it will not be easy. It is a derby, so it will be special and a very big and important game for us as a club also. We have to prepare it well."

Per Hunter, when the two sides last met in April, Origi was injured as a result of a poor challenge from Toffees defender Ramiro Funes Mori, who was sent off for the offence.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The pair look set to face each other once again, with Phil Jagielka's suspension likely to result in Funes Mori's return to the starting lineup.

Origi appears not to bear a grudge against the Argentinian—who apologised for the tackle—despite spending four weeks out with ankle ligament damage, which ended his hopes of starting last season's UEFA Europa League final against Sevilla, according to Hunter:

"

These are things that happen. I came back stronger and I have to continue growing. These things happen in a football career. I received an official message [from Funes Mori]. I keep on looking forward and I am very excited for the next game. How will I feel? I don’t know who is playing but I am very motivated.

"

With Philippe Coutinho on the sidelines, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a run in the team and has taken the opportunity with both hands, as demonstrated by Squawka Football:

He has seven goals this season from as many starts.

The derby is likely to be a typically intense affair, with Liverpool hoping to return to second place in the Premier League, while Everton will be looking to capitalise on a confidence-boosting win over Arsenal last time out.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp perhaps attempted to cool things down in his press conference ahead of the game, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

The German is nevertheless well aware of the two clubs' long rivalry, and he'll be determined to come away from his first visit to Goodison Park with three points.

Liverpool have not lost to Everton in their last 12 meetings and are undoubtedly in the superior form heading into the match, having lost just once in all competitions since August.

As for Everton, their 2-1 victory over Arsenal was their first after five winless games, and their 21 goals for the season is almost half of Liverpool's 40.

Form can sometimes go out the window in derbies, but with the Reds looking excellent going forward—Origi, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all playing well—it will be difficult for Everton to keep their visitors out.

They'll require a much more composed performance from Funes Mori than the one he produced in the last Merseyside derby—he'll need to shut down Origi without putting in the kind of reckless and dangerous challenge that earned him his marching orders.