27 September 1999. That was the last time Everton won away against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield when Kevin Campbell scored the only goal of the game. After this, 36 games have been played off the Merseyside derby, with Everton only managing to take 4 wins. All of these came at home at Goodison Park and one of these came after extra time in the FA Cup. There almost seems to be a curse on Everton in this fixture this millennium. When the Toffees travel to the park for an early Premier League kick-off tomorrow to play the 228th Merseyside derby, will they finally be able to break this miserable winless run?
After a great start to the season under new manager Ronald Koeman, Everton had a difficult period last autumn with only two league wins recorded from October to New Year. In 2017 the club has seemed to turn things around, however, and have only lost one of their last 12 Premier League games. This form has earned them a 7th place in the league so far, with the club chasing qualification for next season's Europa League. One could, therefore, say that this might give them the momentum they need to break the club's 18-year long curse at Anfield.
In-form Lukaku
Another positive for the Goodison Park side is the form of top-scorer Romelu Lukaku. The 23-year old is currently the Premier League's top-scorer with 21 goals.
He is the first do score more than 20 goals in the league in one season for Everton since Gary Lineker all the way back in 1985-1986. Also in form with for his native Belgium in last weekend's World Cup Qualifier game against Greece, scoring a late equaliser, Lukaku is definitely keen to add to his tally this season against Liverpool.
Loss of Coleman
A blow for Everton is nevertheless the injury of defender Seamus Coleman. The Irishman has been in great form for the Toffees this season but broke his leg while on international duty for The Republic of Ireland last weekend. The right-back can in the worst case be out for a full year, which would have a big negative impact on the quality of Everton's attacking side of the defence.
Youngster Mason Holgate can be a possible replacement in Saturday's game for Ronald Koeman's men but the more experienced Coleman would definitely be a safer card to play in such a heated affair as the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool will also be missing one of their key players, as Adama Lallana injured his thigh when playing for England. With players such as Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in the squad, the 4th placed team should nevertheless be able to pose a threat to their neighbours. Mane was the man who scored the winner when Liverpool won this season's reverse fixture at Goodison Park. Will it be another humiliating affair for Everton or will the Toffees finally be able to end their 18-year wait for three points at Anfield? We will know on Saturday afternoon.
