Michael Owen has predicted Liverpool to set a new club record against their rivals Everton by achieving victory in their FA Cup clash.
In his Bet Victor blog, the pundit revealed that he couldn’t look beyond the Reds given their current form and believed they would knock the Toffees out in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday.
“Liverpool will set a new record of 16 games unbeaten against their neighbours Everton if they avoid defeat on Friday and it is hard to look beyond the Reds in their current form,” admitted Owen.
The Reds leveled the previous unbeaten record against Everton when they drew 1-1 with the Toffees at Anfield in December.
Owen,along with mentioning Liverpool’s recent form, cited Everton’s poor performance against Manchester United on New Year’s Day and their recent record in the FA Cup as reasons for why they would lose.
“Everton were poor against Manchester United on New Year’s Day and have been knocked out at this stage of the competition twice in the last three seasons – I expect the Reds to add to their Cup woes at Anfield,” wrote Owen.
However, Liverpool will be without star player Philippe Coutinho who Jurgen Klopp confirmed will miss the game due to injury.
OPINION
Owen is right to suggest that Liverpool’s form makes a win for them look likely, but it’s unknown whether they will prioritise the FA Cup. The Reds might opt to rest key players after a busy festive period, and hope the team they put out is enough to beat their rivals. Liverpool know it’s important to stay focused on the Premier League as the race to finish in the top-four heats up. There’s also the fact that Sam Allardyce tactically out-mastered Jurgen Klopp during the last Merseryside Derby to earn a draw, and the experienced manager might have a trick up his sleeve to gain victory on Friday.