Everton in ‘deep trouble’ & Rafa on the brink as Liverpool face Goodison – Liverpool FC

When Liverpool is about to visit Everton On Wednesday, all was not well in the blue half of Merseyside, with Rafa Benitez receiving negative reviews.

The Reds were excellent on Saturday afternoon, going to a 4-0 home win first Arsenal and end the weekend in just one point Premier League leaders Chelsea.

This was followed by a midweek trip to Goodison Park, as they look for their first win there since December 2016.

Everton got off to a good start to the season but has since had poor results, with Benitez facing plenty of criticism following his controversial appearance.

Before the game, we spoke with a regular TIA opposing fan, Matt Jones (@MattJFootball) from the Green Room podcast to get his thoughts on all things red and blue.

How do you rate Everton’s start to the season?

It was a scenario everyone feared would happen, but everyone expected it to happen.

A small squad is being stretched by injuries, some poor performances lead to a brutal festive schedule and the manager is putting pressure ahead of the Merseyside derby, where Liverpool will likely suffer.

They will be in deep trouble by Christmas.

What is your stance on the current Rafa?

Honestly, I have no feelings for him at all. It feels like he’s done five out of 10 jobs.

Is he the right man for Everton? Sure is not.

If he gets sacked after the derby, do I mind? Not really.

Where is he near the top of the list? Evertonof the problem? Absolutely not.

Who are the three best Everton players so far this season?

Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has just returned from injury, and Yerry Mina, who is injured.

I could also say Demarai Gray is a standout – he’s also recuperating.

Is anyone particularly poor?

I would say Salomon Rondon. I used to be really wary of West Brom and the Newcastle version when he played against us.

But Everton version? I saw wheeled crates flying in the wind over the weekend with greater mobility.

How do you rate Liverpool’s chances of winning the title?

Really promising.

There are three teams in the league that shamelessly overtake the rest.

Even with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah Before AFCON, Liverpool’s playing system and solid defense were enough to get them through and still in the race next February.

Besides Salah, which Red Devils player would you most like to see at Everton?

Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He is the symbol of everything Everton none: an active academy, an excellent local player and a real active right-back!

Where do you see the key battles taking place?

Mid Everton fans and Benitez!

Seriously, honestly, it’s hard to see the Blues win any battle on the pitch.

If they get anything then a lot will depend on Doucoure to defend, carry the ball forward and produce a goal or an assist.

But there’s a lot to put in a guy in his second game back after a six-week break.

Finally, what is your prediction?

It may not be the humiliation some would expect, but it will be a routine win for Liverpool.