In the latest episode of the Media Matters segment on the AEyeScouted Podcast by Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett offer a frank, stats-laden and emotionally charged preview of the impending Premier League clash between Liverpool and Everton. The Merseyside Derby, always fraught with intensity, is given meticulous treatment by two voices who know the Red half of the city inside out.
“It’s going to be our job on Wednesday night to bring an end to this nine-game nonsense of David Moyes not losing games,” Hendrick declares, setting the tone early. “He loses one third of his games across his career—it is time for us to remind him of that fact.”
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Everton’s Grim Reality and Moyes’ Mirage
Matchett and Hendrick pulled no punches when discussing Everton’s current trajectory. “They give their fans absolutely nothing to be cheerful about,” laments Hendrick, running through the litany of managerial failures and the club’s stagnant competitive status.
“This is the longest unbeaten streak since 2013-14,” Matchett notes with statistical precision, referencing a potential record on the line for Moyes’ side. But Hendrick cuts through the numbers with a caustic assessment: “They’re just sort of existing in the Premier League season after season.”
In his sharpest critique yet, Hendrick claims, “There’s no joy in being an Everton fan… they would have been better off getting relegated.” He then adds: “Instead they’ve just chosen this existence of mediocrity.”
Arne Slot’s Calculated Break Could Be the Turning Point
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s current manager, is praised for what might initially have seemed a gamble. “The decision by Arne Slot to punt on the FA Cup may have been the smartest thing he’s done all season,” says Hendrick, highlighting the recovery time it afforded fatigued players.
Matchett picks up the thread, stating, “Hopefully this big break… has just been a bit of a reset for some players.” He expresses cautious optimism that returning players like Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah could provide the physical spark Liverpool have lacked in recent weeks.
Gakpo’s involvement is eagerly anticipated. “He’s one who’s in need of a big performance in this game,” Hendrick urges, pointing to the Dutchman’s underwhelming form.
Derby Demands and Midfield Battles
Discussing tactical options, both hosts agree on one thing: the match will be a fight. “It’s going to be a battle in midfield,” says Hendrick, stressing that whoever starts needs to show more “application,” “aggression,” and a willingness to do the dirty work.
Matchett, always pragmatic, dismisses the idea of merely adding bodies to midfield. “It’s not numbers in that area that’s going to win us this,” he explains. “It’s application.”
Hendrick expects Slot to start Salah, Diaz and Gakpo in attack. He questions Darwin Núñez’s recent form: “Neither Jota nor Darwin have really done anything to warrant starting.”
The key, as ever, lies in execution. “We cannot have a season where we’re winning a league title and not beating that bunch,” Hendrick insists.
Focused Minds, Clear Maths
With Liverpool sitting 12 points clear and nine games left, the maths is simple. “Five wins and one draw guarantees us the title,” Hendrick reminds listeners. “No matter what Arsenal do.”
Matchett concurs, but urges caution: “The only thing that’s going to matter is that we win.”
This Derby isn’t just a local spat—it’s a decisive fixture in a Premier League title race that could come down to grit, depth, and emotional clarity.
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