Mark Lawrenson explains what Everton might do to not get ‘torn apart’ by Liverpool

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Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has been giving his predictions on the BBC Sport website ahead of the Merseyside derby between the two teams this weekend. 

Lawrenson, who had a few epic battles against Everton during his time at the club, has been discussing how Everton might line up for the game and believes that the Toffees will be cautious of the Premier League champions-elect. 

But whilst he expects Liverpool to be a little off the boil due to ring-rust, he still expects a 1-0 win for the Reds. 

“As good as the Reds’ front three are, they are only brilliant when they are really sharp and I don’t think they will be.

“I would not be surprised if Everton are cautious, play three at the back and sit in a little bit – they don’t want to get torn apart – so because of all that I can see it being a close game.

“But the way Liverpool’s season has gone so far, I am still going to go with them to find a way of winning. We already know they are capable of doing that when they are not at their best.”

No doubt Everton will be cautious of Liverpool but Lawrenson’s assertion that Everton might play three at the back has one major flaw.

Everton are currently down to two senior centre-backs with Yerry Mina out injured. Three at the back would likely mean Seamus Coleman, Lucas Digne or Leighton Baines having to tuck inside or youngster Jarrad Branthwaite being thrown into the starting XI. 

As for Liverpool, it is possible they come into the game slightly less than 100 percent. It must also be remembered that prior to the lockdown, Jurgen Klopp’s men were in their worst patch of form this season, losing four of their last six games including a 3-0 chastening to Watford. 

So Everton might just fancy their chances of an increasingly rare, and fairly unique, Merseyside derby win this weekend.