'I've changed my mind' - Chris Sutton torn on Everton's Merseyside derby chances

Chris Sutton has predicted the result of Everton’s first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Blues are looking to compound the negativity currently swirling around Liverpool at the moment. After crashing out of Europe, the Reds will no doubt be vulnerable.

Arne Slot’s side have been hit with a major injury blow to Hugo Ekitike as well, with Alexander Isak’s fitness still unclear. He was only able for 45 minutes midweek.

It is the perfect opportunity for the Toffees to get one over their city rivals and perhaps send Liverpool tumbling as the season comes to a close.

David Moyes’ side are in the fight for Europe, and three points in the Merseyside derby would go a long way, and Sutton originally thought they could do it.

What did Chris Sutton predict for Everton vs Liverpool?

There are plenty of season-defining games on throughout the whole of the Premier League from both the bottom and top ends of the table this weekend.

However, for both Blues and Reds, the only focus will be on Sunday’s clash with more than just bragging rights on the line.

Both sides can inflict damage to the other’s season while boosting their own chances. It is a perfect outcome for whoever comes out on top.

However, while Sutton did originally think Everton would secure the three points, he has now admitted to backtracking on his thoughts.

Writing in his BBC Sport prediction column, Sutton stated: “An Everton win was actually my first thought here, but I’ve changed my mind. I’m going to sit on the fence instead.”

In the end, he predicted a 1-1 draw.

With rumours circulating around the future of Liverpool’s manager, Everton could hand a brutal blow to Slot, if they end up completing Sutton’s initial prediction.

History is on Chris Sutton’s favour for Merseyside derby prediction

Recent history does suggest that Sutton is right to lean away from a Liverpool win. In the last three home derbies, Everton are unbeaten.

However, over the last 14, 10 of those have ended with the spoils being shared and the Toffees winning just one.

All signs certainly point to another stalemate in that regard, but this time, feelings around both sides are flipped, even if Jordan Pickford is not looking too much into the Reds’ form.

Over the last few years, it has been Everton’s rivals that have come into these matchups with more positivity, but now it is the Blues with the optimism.

That could ultimately be a difference maker, and the chance to make Hill Dickinson a ground Liverpool hate to visit is another reason why Everton could have more to play for.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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