Michael Ball states one thing he wishes to see from Everton in Liverpool clash

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Michael Ball has looked ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash between Everton and Liverpool.

It is Merseyside derby weekend. Everton travel to Anfield on Saturday to face off against bitter local rivals Liverpool.

As usual, this match will be a fiercely-contested and passionate affair. The Toffees will know that they are underdogs, but Sean Dyche needs to believe that his side can pull off a shock result against the Reds.

Everton have a terrible record on the road against Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp’s side are in good form. The Toffees will need to be at their very best to stand any chance of avoiding defeat.

A win, though, would be a huge boost for the club in the midst of a turbulent period. With the future of the ownership up in the air, and relegation fears dogging the club, a derby day triumph would provide a welcome cause for celebration.

To get such a result, Everton will have to be brave.

Ball calls for attacking Everton display

Michael Ball, who played for the Toffees between 1996 and 2001, and knows all about how much the Merseyside derby means, has called on Dyche’s side to play with confidence and positivity.

Writing in The Liverpool Echo, the former left-back said, “when we have had positive results under Dyche, it has come from people like James Garner pressing and causing problems. Let’s go out there, be confident and take the game to them. We don’t want a repeat of the Arsenal game from last month, where we sat back and let them dictate the tempo at Goodison Park.”

There is quality in this Everton squad. At their best, the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Harrison, Amadou Onana, and Dwight McNeil can hurt Liverpool. The real test will be over whether the visitors can stay solid at the back under inevitable pressure from the hosts.

All eyes will be on Jarrad Branthwaite to see how the 21-year-old centre-back copes in what will be a raucous atmosphere. The experience of James Tarkowski and Ashley Young will be crucial in ensuring that the Everton rearguard stands firm up against Liverpool’s formidable attacking contingent.