Everton have already been fired a warning by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ahead of the Merseyside Derby.
David Moyes will have taken in the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Whilst Everton have had a full week to prepare for the Merseyside Derby on Saturday, the Reds have had a European clash to contend with.
Peter Reid thinks Everton can compete with Liverpool despite Arne Slot’s side winning all four of their Premier League games.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| 3 |  TottenhamTottenham | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 9 |
| 4 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 9 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| 6 |  EvertonEverton | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
As is the case with a derby game, mind games between the two sides have already started even in the hours since Liverpool’s Champions League game.
Everton’s defence has fared well this season, but Van Dijk has now issued a clear warning ahead of the game at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk warns Everton of Liverpool’s big strength
Last season, Van Dijk called out Everton fans ahead of the Merseyside Derby following their failed title charge in recent years.
The last outing at Anfield for Everton did end in defeat, but the Toffees are going into the game on Saturday in good form.
Speaking after the win over Atletico Madrid, Van Dijk has indirectly warned Everton what they should be prepared for on Saturday.
“We try, we kept pushing for the 3-1. We concede the equaliser, massively deflected. It was not great. We found a way again,” said the Liverpool captain.
“We were dangerous in our set-pieces anyway, they were pretty aggressive I must say. I’m glad I got the winner.”
The Dutch defender scored the winning goal with a header from a corner.
Arne Slot has hinted Alexander Isak will play against Everton, after the Sweden international played around 60 minutes on Wednesday.
In Everton’s opening four league games, the Toffees are yet to concede from a free kick or corner.
But Liverpool will likely provide Moyes with his toughest test yet.
David Moyes has demanded Everton improve at set pieces
Last season, Moyes appointed Charlie Adam as Everton’s set piece coach, but it was not a decision that paid off.
The 62-year-old manager had slammed the players earlier in the year for their struggles in defending set pieces.
Back in May, Moyes said Everton’s set pieces were rubbish and needed drastic improvement.
“It’s been rubbish! (It’s down to) delivery, I think you need the quality to be much better,” said Moyes.
“It’s been really, really poor.”
Defending set pieces will be the demand for Everton on Saturday, but attacking set pieces could provide a real opportunity to score against the league leaders.
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