Everton vs. Liverpool and Pick to Win
Date:Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: English Premier League Anfield, Liverpool, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Everton 11/1, Liverpool 1/3, Draw 5/1
Moneyline: Everton +1100, Liverpool -333, Draw +500
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 3 – 68/67 (+101)
The Merseyside Derby is also known as The Friendly Derby as it is a rivalry game that is anchored in civic tradition and neighborly pleasantries. Given how violence rooted in hooliganism can be a scourge for many soccer clubs across Europe, these two Liverpool-based clubs have made it their business to employ a different philosophy and approach to their cross-city rivalry. While the game is intense, both sides and their supporters encourage amity and solidarity regardless of who wins or what result transpires. Traditionally, this rivalry has higher stakes on the table. However, the two clubs seem to be headed in opposite directions. The Reds and the Toffees remain separated by 11 points in the English Premier League table with six teams lying in between the two. The Reds sit within the Champions League qualification zone with 29 points. They are just three points behind defending champion Chelsea and 14 points behind table-topper Manchester City. Everton sits in the tenth position with just 18 points in 15 games played. The Premiership title is certainly out of reach at this point but with a little bit of good fortune and a winning run, the Toffees can vie for Europa League qualification.
Everton has certainly hit their stride. The Toffees have won their last two fixtures and outscored the opposition 6-0 in doing so. The Toffees racked up a quick six points against West Ham United and Huddersfield Town in consecutive fixtures. Previous to this, the Evertonians had lost two contests in a row. For Reds supporters, the Liverpudlians have much to rejoice in as both teams in their city have once again emerged to contend with Manchester and London on the national stage.
Liverpool has been impressive. The Reds are 4-0-2 in their previous six fixtures. Most recently, the Reds own a 5-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion as a follow up to a 3-0 victory over Stoke City. After many beginning the question the future of Manager Jurgen Klopp due to some lackluster performances, Liverpool is now firing on all cylinders. The Reds have a draw against Chelsea to comprise their previous five results in Premier League play as they won the other four outright by convincing margins. The talk of Liverpool is the pace they keep on their wings as there is no team in perhaps the world with the speed this outfit has in its rolls. The big problem for the Reds was their defensive operations as clean sheets were hard to come by. However, Liverpool has found a way to iron that out in recent exploits. If they maintain their new found proficiency on defense, this team is a threat to finish as high as second in the league table.
You know our stance, laying juice is always a dangerous move especially at the price asked here. Given the fact this one is at Anfield, Liverpool is expected to win handily as they are known for a renowned home pitch advantage. However, rivalry games produce the unexpected. The Toffees can beat the Reds in Anfield. If Liverpool slips back in to old habits, the Toffees have the offensive personnel to challenge the Reds. With this being said, it would even safe to say that a draw is certainly feasible. At the offering presented in draw markets, there is tremendous upside in backing this option.
Given the potency of both teams offensive operations, the reaction would be to go for the Over. However, we will take a contrarian approach and book the Under opposite to popular opinion. The Under 3 at +101 (68/67) is our recommendation. As a whole, both wagers offer a potential purse of 5.01 units if they are both successful.
Everton Recent Form
W Huddersfield Town 2-0
W West Ham United 4-0
L Southampton 1-4
L Atalanta 1-5
D Crystal Palace 2-2
Liverpool Recent Form
W Brighton and Hove Albion 5-1
W Stoke City 3-0
D Chelsea 1-1
D Sevilla 3-3
W Southampton 3-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW (5/1) +500 and UNDER 3 (68/67) +101.
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