Liverpool-Everton Preview

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has "learned a lesson" after serving his three-match suspension for violent conduct, says Jurgen Klopp.

Nunez – signed from Benfica prior to the season – was sent off on his Anfield debut for headbutting Joachim Andersen in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on August 15.

The forward subsequently missed Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United, their 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth and Wednesday's dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

Klopp is thrilled to have Nunez back in the fold ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park, while Diogo Jota could also be involved after returning from injury, but Liverpool's manager is sure his new striker has learned a valuable lesson when it comes to keeping his cool.

"He learned a lesson! He's in really good shape," Klopp said. "If you look how we came through the last two games, winning, we don't see it as a bad thing. We tried to give him extra input physically as well as tactically.

"He's really happy that he's not suspended. For some time always I've given him a high five but a slap as well, just so he doesn't forget! That can stop now. He's looking forward to it. His English didn't improve much in 10, 15 days, so I don't know exactly, but it looks like it."

Everton manager Frank Lampard was asked if his central defenders – likely to be James Tarkowski and former Liverpool man Conor Coady – would look to rile Nunez.

"They're just going to do their jobs," he said. "The best way to wind him up, if you can even call it that, is to do your job. We have to concentrate on ourselves and the best way to get an advantage in games is to perform and be on it."

Everton – Anthony Gordon

Following goals against Brentford and Leeds in August, Gordon – who has stayed put despite Chelsea's interest – is looking to become the youngest Everton player to score in three consecutive Premier League appearances (21y 191d) since Romelu Lukaku in October 2013 (20y 145d) and youngest Englishman since Francis Jeffers in September 2000 (19y 224d).

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah

Three of Salah's four Premier League goals for Liverpool against Everton have come at Goodison Park. Only Michael Owen (four) has scored more away goals for the Reds against the Toffees in the competition.

- Everton have won just one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D12 L10), a 2-0 victory at Anfield in February 2021 under Carlo Ancelotti.

- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League away games against Everton (W3 D8) since a 2-0 loss in October 2010. Following a 4-1 win in this exact fixture last season, they're looking for back-to-back victories at Goodison Park for the first time since a run of three between 2007 and 2009.

- Only Chelsea vs Manchester United (25) has finished as a draw more often than Everton vs Liverpool (24) in Premier League history, while the Merseyside derby has seen more red cards than any other fixture (22).

- Everton have drawn their last three Premier League games, last drawing four in a row in October/November 2012 which included a 2-2 home draw with Liverpool.

- After failing to win their opening three Premier League games this season (D2 L1), Liverpool have won their last two, including a 90th minute winner from Fabio Carvalho against Newcastle. The Reds have scored 40 winning goals in the 90th minute in the Premier League, 12 more than any other side.

Updated September 2, 2022