Jack Grealish vs. Liverpool’s right-back key – Isak to exploit Everton’s lack of pace? – Liverpool FC

There is a spring in the step of Everton so far this season, with Blues supporters in confident spirits ahead of the trip to Anfield.

Liverpool host their Merseyside rivals on Saturday lunchtime – hopefully, last-minute drama isn’t required for once this season!

Arne Slot‘s side cannot afford to be off their game, however, with Everton improving under David Moyes and not losing since the opening day.

With the derby fast approaching, we spoke to Blues fan, analyst and podcaster Tactically Matt (@TacticallyMatt) to preview Saturday’s action, including the key battles at Anfield.

 

How happy are you with Everton’s start to the season?

I’m very happy with the start to the season – the only frustrating thing is we don’t have more points.

Leeds was a winnable game but we didn’t show up, and we should have beaten Aston Villa at the weekend.

I was expecting an upturn in form considering the new signings, but they’ve settled in rapidly and we’re reaping the rewards now.

It’s nice not to be mentioned in the relegation battle for the first time in a while.

Famous last words? I hope not.

 

Which three players have stood out most?

The obvious one is Jack Grealish, right? It’s hard for him not to stand out with his hair and low socks.

James Garner has also been a standout – perhaps more of a surprise one, given his inconsistency in recent years.

The same with Michael Keane, actually. He has slotted in for Jarrad Branthwaite superbly this season.

I would go with those three, but an honourable mention to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye.

 

What’s the main aim for this season?

My aim is to just establish ourselves in mid-table.

Pushing for Europe would be too much for me, and we just need to take baby steps at the moment.

Obviously, we’re in ‘European form’ at the moment, given our league position, but we might not sustain that, so I wouldn’t want to get my hopes up.

Finish in mid-table/the early stages of the top half, and build again next summer.

It’s been years of absolute hell, so there’s no rush to go too far too soon, especially with our squad still pretty thin.

 

What are your thoughts on Everton’s new stadium?

Phenomenal. They’ve smashed it, in my opinion.

Moving to a new stadium is always risky, as you can lose that compactness and closeness to the pitch, but they’ve done an amazing job.

Away fans seem to love it too, and you rarely see opposition fans giving out praise, considering the tribalism in football!

 

How do you rate Liverpool’s start to the season? Title favourites?

Without sounding too bitter or controversial, I’ve not been ridiculously impressed, in comparison to the league position.

Of course, the mentality to get these last-minute winners shows character and a never-say-die attitude, and it’s all about points, but I still think there’s room for improvement.

To be honest, if I were a Liverpool fan, I’d be absolutely loving it. There’s nothing better than a last-minute winner and you’re getting one every week at the moment!

I think Liverpool have to be title favourites.

I don’t think they’ve played particularly well yet, or at least not as good as their squad has the potential to play, so if they step it up a gear they could create a bit of an early gap at the top of the table.

Once Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are properly firing, it’s going to be difficult for other clubs.

 

What is your best and worst memory of an Anfield derby?

My best memory has to be the win at Anfield during covid. Due to my age, and how terrible my team have been in these games, it’s the only win we’ve had since I was three years old, so it’s got to be that.

The Phil Jagielka belter to rescue a draw was pretty great, too, but unfortunately, there are not too many great memories.

The worst memory was probably when Curtis Jones absolutely leathered one in from outside the box.

I’m used to losing at Anfield, so most of them don’t sit on my mind too much, but that one was such a winnable game with Liverpool playing a load of kids, and we still managed to lose.

Head loss that day.

 

Looking ahead to Saturday, where will the key battles take place?

The obvious one is Grealish vs. whoever Liverpool play at right-back. On his day, he can get the better of anyone, and it’s an obvious area to get at.

Jeremie Frimpong plays more as a winger, Dominik Szoboszlai tucks into midfield and Conor Bradley is still inexperienced, so there’s going to be an interesting battle there regardless.

Vitalii Mykolenko usually has a decent game against Mohamed Salah, so that will be interesting, too.

I’m a little worried about the pace of Liverpool’s attackers, given we don’t have Branthwaite at the moment.

Isak and/or Hugo Ekitike should have some joy in behind.

 

Finally, what’s your prediction?

I’m sure your site will be filled with Liverpool win predictions, and understandably so.

But the optimist in me says 1-1 draw, so I’ll go with that.