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Origi declared fit as Reds prepare to face Merseyside rivals Everton
The 226th Merseyside derby will take place at Anfield on Wednesday evening as Liverpool FC look to continue their superb recent form against their city rivals.
Liverpool ake on Everton at Anfield in the 226th Merseyside derby on Wednesday and spirits could not be higher in the Reds' camp.
Sunday's victory over AFC Bournemouth in the Barclays Premier League helped Jürgen Klopp's side to come away from the South Coast with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge.
It capped a glorious week for Liverpool Football Club.
Having beaten Stoke City 4-1 at Anfield on April 10, one of the great European ties of recent years saw the Reds come back from 3-1 down on the night against Borussia Dortmund to record a famous 5-4 aggregate win on Thursday and secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals against Villarreal.
It was a special night, with a memorable fightback capped by Dejan Lovren’s late winner, and Sunday's win over the Cherries proved the icing on the cake for a young LFC side.
Now it’s time for one of the biggest occasions on the city’s calendar.
Liverpool v Everton is one of the highlights of the season, and Klopp will be pleased that in-form Divock Origi – so instrumental along with fellow striker Daniel Sturridge of late – will be fit to take his place in the matchday squad.
Kolo Touré is also expected to be fit, having only suffered cramp against Eddie Howe's side.
"Divock was only a little bit [of a problem] with the back – maybe from sitting on the bench! It was not a real issue,” revealed Klopp.
"He felt it a little bit in the game and so we left him out of training yesterday but that was only not to take a risk. So that is OK.
"Before the [Bournemouth] game, Martin Skrtel had a little groin problem but with all the other things [players], there’s nothing new."
With Firmino also in top form, having been involved in 12 goals in his last 10 top flight games, alongside compatriot Philippe Coutinho it promises to be an eventful evening at Anfield.
Another player hoping to impress and secure his first win over the Toffees in a Liverpool shirt is Adam Lallana, who has been involved in three draws against Roberto Martinez’s side since joining from Southampton.
"It's been disappointing [that] we've drawn all three but we're unbeaten in a while [against Everton],” he told LiverpoolFC.com.
"Regardless of that, we're in good form, confidence is high and we're playing well.
"There's no better feeling than winning games. You just want the next game to come as soon as possible.
"At the minute, we've got a lot of games - Wednesday, Saturday and Thursday. The manager changes things up and keeps everyone fresh and wanting to do well when they come in."
