Paul Merson predicts Everton v Liverpool FC in Merseyside derby

Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp Photo: New Balance

Paul Merson is backing Everton to beat a weakened Liverpool FC team in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday morning.

The Reds were 3-0 winners against Premier League leaders Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Liverpool FC have the small matter of a return trip to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg next Tuesday in search of a place in the Champions League semi-finals

The 18-time English champions have the small matter of the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to cement their place in the top four.

Everton have lost three of their last six games in the Premier League to leave Sam Allardyce’s men struggling in mid table.

Former Arsenal star Merson is backing Everton to edge to a narrow win against Liverpool FC in Saturday morning’s Merseyside derby.

“I just don’t see it being an important game for Liverpool, I really don’t,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“I just can’t see them playing their full team. They’re already in the Champions League next season in my opinion, they’re 10 points clear of Chelsea going into the weekend.

It’s one of them where they’ve got an important game coming up. They worked hard the other day so if Jurgen Klopp goes and plays a full team I would be shocked.”

Liverpool FC finished in fourth place in the Premier League table last term after seeing off Arsenal’s challenge for the final Champions League spot.

The Reds signed Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in the January transfer window.

Liverpool FC are in third spot in the Premier League table.

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