MatchThe opposition lowdown: Everton

The view from Everton

Patrick Boyland, Everton reporter at The Athletic

On Everton's key dangermen...

The obvious answer here is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His injury problems have been well documented, but Everton are a different side when he is fit. Sean Dyche's system needs a focal point at the top end of the pitch and the former Sheffield United man is that and more.

He scores goals, has a prodigious leap, links play and also has the pace to run in behind. On his day, there are few better at the role in the Premier League. Thankfully for Everton, he looks particularly sharp after his latest return from injury.

Keep an eye out too for loan signing Jack Harrison, who looks like an ideal fit for Dyche's set-up and young centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has added legs and poise in defence after returning from a successful loan at PSV Eindhoven.

On Sean Dyche's style of play...

Everton normally play a 4-4-1-1 system under Dyche, with Abdoulaye Doucoure tasked with breaking from midfield in support of the lone striker. The Mali international's role is pivotal in and out of possession; he's asked to be both a goal threat and an extra body in midfield when opposition sides are dominating the ball. Doucoure is the top scorer so far this season and kept Everton in the division with his superb goal on the final day of last season.

Everton can be direct in their play under Dyche and are also a threat from set-pieces. But contrary to some narratives, they also tend to be pretty proactive out of possession.

Only four sides have made more high turnovers this season and they are also third for high turnovers leading to a shot. Defence starts from the front with Dyche, but expect them to fall back into a low block if Liverpool break through their press.

Predicted line-up (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.

Previous meetings

When the two teams last met in February, the Reds prevailed 2-0 at Anfield. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo either side of the half-time break were enough to secure victory, following the 0-0 draw at Goodison Park earlier in the season.

Recent form

Everton will cross Stanley Park having won two of their last three fixtures in the Premier League. Most recently, Dyche's side defeated AFC Bournemouth 3-0 at Goodison Park before the international break.

Doucoure is the Blues' leading scorer in the top flight so far this season with three goals, while Calvert-Lewin has two.

What they said

Sean Dyche

"We were in decent spirits anyway, but [the win against Bournemouth] reaffirms to the players and staff that when you get it right, and when you take your chances, then it shows and I've always said we are a good outfit.

"Despite all the challenges, we have a strong group of players and it's about performing and delivering. [Against Bournemouth] I was pleased it all came together. Not just to get a performance but to get a very good win on top of that.

"My main thing now is staying focused. I don't want us to get carried away [with the occasion]. It's not that easy with all the noise and all the build-up, but the players are in a good place at the moment, and we want that to continue."