Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool, anticipates an electrifying match against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, but he cautioned his team not to be swept up in the excitement surrounding the final Merseyside derby that will take place at the historic stadium.
If Slot’s team wins Saturday’s noon game, they can increase their advantage in the Premier League, and that’s about all the manager is thinking about.
“It is going to be special for everyone.
” For all the fans, players and the managers involved,” he told reporters on Friday.
“To be part of the game is already special but it being the last one at Goodison makes it even more special.
“(But) it’s only a nice experience if the result goes your way.
” That is what we are working on the most. I never speak about three points before the game and especially not if you face a side like Everton that have been keeping clean sheets.
“We know we have to be ready against a tough team. The fans will be loud. We have to be prepared for everything in this game.”
It will be the rivals’ 245th meeting and their final game at Goodison before Everton moves into their brand-new, 52,000-seat Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which has served as their home since 1892.
Following a 3–3 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday, the Reds will be eager to resume their winning ways.
They still lead the league table by nine points over champions Manchester City and seven points over Chelsea and Arsenal in second and third place, respectively.
In contrast, Everton defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 on Wednesday to snap their five-game losing streak and move up to 15th place in the standings, five points above the drop zone.
Alisson, Liverpool’s starting goalie, is not expected to return from injury anytime soon, according to Slot.
However, aside from making a mistake that allowed Newcastle to equalise on Wednesday, Caoimhin Kelleher has performed admirably in Alisson’s place.
“If you make a mistake as a goalkeeper it’s difficult for someone else to cover it up for you.
He’s always there to help us. We just unfortunately couldn’t be there to help him,” Slot said of the Ireland international.
“He’s in a good place, although he’s disappointed like the others for dropping points from a winning situation.
“He can go into this game with a lot of confidence.”
Alisson’s hamstring injury has kept him out of action since October 5.
