Everton are set to face their local rivals this weekend who’ll be without their top goalscorer, Hugo Ekitike.
A huge Merseyside Derby awaits Everton this weekend, with three points closing the gap considerably on the Reds.
Liverpool were in action on Tuesday evening in the Champions League and they lost Ekitike to what seemed a significant injury.
You can only name one! Which one takes top spot for you? 🤩
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Richarlison of Everton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Pantling/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Phil Noble – Pool.
David Moyes will take any advantage he can get going into the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Hugo Ekitike set to miss Everton vs Liverpool
Everton are pushing for a Champions League spot, with their city rivals holding the final spot in fifth place.
The Blues will need to start putting three points back on the board to achieve that, with Sunday’s game at the docks now getting even more interesting.
What is your prediction for this weekend’s Merseyside Derby? 🫣
Three points would be MASSIVE! 💪
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool look dejected during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC.
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Ekitike was withdrawn on Tuesday night at Anfield on a stretcher during their game against Paris Saint-Germain.
After the game, manager Arne Slot admitted it was a serious injury.
“It looks really bad but it is difficult for me to say how bad. Tomorrow [Wednesday] we will investigate this further, how bad this is for him,” he said.
There are concerns that Ekitike has suffered an Achilles injury, which would require surgery and keep him out for the World Cup.
The Frenchman scored what turned out to be the winning goal the last time these sides met at Anfield.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is excited for the Merseyside Derby, having already warned Liverpool that the Blues are out to make a statement.
A huge opportunity is on the table for Everton to close the gap in the race for Europe, with the injury blow for Liverpool only adding to the optimism at the Hill Dickinson.
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