Liverpool must take the emotion out of their derby game against Everton on Saturday if they are to pick up three points and continue their push towards Premier League glory, according to Reds expert David Lynch.
The Merseysiders' nine-point advantage on both Arsenal and Chelsea shrunk by two points on Wednesday, with Arne Slot's side drawing 3-3 with Newcastle United.
Mohamed Salah scored twice and produced an assist, but despite his heroics, Liverpool could not contain Newcastle, who were buoyed by a fervent home crowd.
Slot's team will make the short trip to Goodison Park early on Saturday afternoon in what will be the final Merseyside derby at the stadium in the Premier League.
Everton will no doubt be fuelled by the occasion, but Lynch has argued that the Reds must not be drawn into an emotional contest, telling Sports Mole: "Everton - it's really clear what they always have to do in these games, which is to ruin them, to turn them into a scrap.
"Liverpool never seemed to be the calm presence in these games where they're just trying to move the ball around, trying to shift their shape, trying to pen them in. I don't know if [Jurgen Klopp] was quite an emotional manager, but they wanted to get involved in the scrap themselves and Everton [dragged] them down to their level.
"I think Slot's going to approach it in a slightly different way and he is more comfortable with his side being in control and being patient and taking the time over things, not rushing it, not trying to force it, and so hopefully this could be a test that suits his style of football."
"If [Slot] can get that first win at Goodison Park, particularly in the last Goodison derby as it could be, or certainly the last league one, that would be incredible, and again, it's just another tick in the box."
More than bragging rights at stake
Interestingly, tomorrow's match is the 120th Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in all competitions, and the head-to-head record stands at 41 wins each for both Everton and Liverpool, with the teams having drawn 37 times.
If Liverpool found a way to win on Saturday, then they would set in stone that they have managed to get the better of their fierce rivals in their own backyard, something that fans would be able to celebrate for years to come.
However, the Reds are also in the midst of a title race, and while their draw at St James' Park was disappointing, a win against Everton would mean that Slot would have overcome the majority of his major obstacles.
When speaking to Sports Mole about the derby, Lynch said: "It's a real chance for [Slot] because I've been to so many Goodison derbies down the years and seen a lot of draws, a lot of difficult ones, obviously that defeat last season as well.
"If [Slot] can get that first win at Goodison Park, particularly in the last Goodison derby as it could be, or certainly the last league one, that would be incredible, and again, it's just another tick in the box.
"By [winning] at Everton, you start to wonder where the issues are going to arise for Liverpool outside of injuries. It's a big week in games that feel winnable and if they do win them, then I think [I'm] hugely convinced that Liverpool are going to go on and lift this title."
© Imago
Sean Dyche struggles good for Liverpool?
Everton will feel that they must pick up points on Saturday given they are set to face Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the three fixtures after they play Liverpool.
The Toffees are in 15th place with 14 points, five more than 18th-placed Ipswich Town, but considering the hosts have won just once in their past six league outings, relegation remains a real threat.
Manager Sean Dyche has a frayed relationship with fans at Goodison Park, and Lynch expressed his belief that his presence in the dugout is positive for Liverpool, telling Sports Mole: "I think the worry for Liverpool [was] if Dyche [was] sacked before [the game] because we know that can give teams a lift and make it more tricky.
"I just think there clearly are three teams that are worse than [Everton] so I don't think they're at risk, so I think Liverpool could probably do with Sean Dyche still being in charge by the time this game comes around.
"If [Liverpool] approach the game in the right way they should be winning it, and taking a slightly different tactical approach into this game than they did under Jurgen is probably the way to go about doing that."
Lewis Nolan
