After dropping points earlier in the week, Liverpool is eager to return to winning form, though there is a possibility the match may not take place.
Due to severe weather conditions in Merseyside, the Met Office has issued an amber warning from 1am to 9pm on Saturday:
“A period of very strong northerly or northwesterly winds is expected to develop as Storm Darragh moves eastward.
“Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are anticipated along exposed coasts and headlands, with very large waves likely, while inland areas could experience gusts of 60 to 70 mph.
“The strongest winds will gradually ease from the west throughout the afternoon.”
With the predicted wind direction, the effect would be felt across the pitch rather than toward the goals. However, winds reaching 80mph could still influence the game.
Although it’s unlikely the match will be canceled with only an amber warning in place, there remains a possibility that the referee might face a difficult decision.
80mph winds could affect the way the Merseyside derby is played.
Given Sean Dyche’s more direct style of play, it’s likely that his team will be more affected by the harsh conditions.
Arne Slot, on the other hand, will probably want his players to keep the ball on the ground and focus on their passing game, though the absence of key playmaker Alexis Mac Allister could hinder this approach.
The Dutch coach will turn to players like Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to maintain a high tempo and try to break down Everton’s defense.
Mo Salah, always a threat in such situations, could be the one to take advantage of any openings. With a contract offer reportedly on the horizon, he may have even more reasons to celebrate than just a potential goal and victory at Goodison Park.
It’s shaping up to be a historic clash, and hopefully, it’s the Reds who come out on top with the final laugh.
