Merseyside Derby: Five things to watch for

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: The tunnel at Goodison Park before the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: The tunnel at Goodison Park before the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on December 11, 2016, in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on December 11, 2016, in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

1. In the thick

Today marks the beginning of a crucial run of fixtures for both sides ahead of the Christmas period.

After the Merseyside Derby concludes, Liverpool is facing home matches against Stoke City and Manchester City before beginning the new year away to Sunderland less than forty-eight hours after facing the Citizens.

More from Everton FC

With the other blues (Chelsea) continuing to pick up three points after winning 11 straight, the Reds need to keep the focus beginning with tonight. If they don’t, it could lead to a nasty stretch of matches for Klopp’s side.

Meanwhile, while Everton is bouncing off their potential momentum-boosting win over the Gunners, they have only taken five points out of their last six matches and will face Leicester and Hull before their 2017 slate kicks off against Southampton.