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Slot wants‘controlled aggression’from Liverpool in Merseyside Derby

Arne Slot has said Liverpool must approach the Merseyside Derby with ‘controlled aggression’ this weekend.

Liverpool make the short trip to face Everton in the last ever Merseyside Derby to be staged at Goodison Park. It’s expected to be a feverish atmosphere as Everton host a derby at a venue that has been the club’s home since 1892 for the final time.

The fixture will be Slot’s first experience of the city’s rivalry, with Liverpool heading into the game as Premier League leaders. However, Everton won this fixture last season and gained confidence from a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves in midweek.

Slot said he has watched last season’s derby defeat and wants Liverpool to avoid ‘unnecessary free kicks’ after conceding twice from set-pieces in April. Everton have scored six set-piece goals this season, with only Arsenal having managed more.

“It is going to be special for everyone. For all the fans, players and the managers involved. To be part of the game is already special but it being the last one at Goodison makes it even more special,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference.

“It’s only a nice experience if the result goes your way. That is what we are working on the most. I never speak about three points before the game and especially not if you face a side like Everton that have been keeping clean sheets.

“We know we have to be ready against a tough team. The fans will be loud. We have to be prepared for everything in this game.

“You need to be aggressive in a smart way. Last season, because I’ve re-watched the game, we were very aggressive when we went out there. I was surprised after 30 minutes because Liverpool had the ball the most but they had committed more fouls.

“Everton are a big threat in set pieces. Unnecessary free kicks are not smart for us. We want to be aggressive but in a concentrated and smart way.”