Merseyside Derby

Merseyside Derby

April 1st, the first day of April, was also Liverpool's first match of the month.

It was the 30th round of the Premier League. Liverpool hosted Everton at Anfield.

The Merseyside derby!

One-thirty in the afternoon.

Anfield.

When Chen Anno emerged from the players' tunnel, the stands were already a sea of red.

Sunlight streamed down from above the pitch, still somewhat dazzling.

But for Chinese fans across the ocean, this was prime time in the evening.

No one knew how many people were sitting in front of their screens with bowls in hand, waiting to watch this Merseyside derby.

Under the guidance of renowned Dutch manager Ronald Koeman, Everton had enjoyed a fairly decent season.

After 29 rounds, they had recorded 14 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses. They currently sat seventh in the league with 50 points, just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United.

In particular, their Belgian striker Lukaku, nicknamed the Little Beast, had already scored 20 league goals and was in red-hot form.

It was said that both Manchester United and Chelsea had their eyes on the over-1.9-meter-tall Black striker, and the media were watching closely as well.

The two sides had met in the first half of the season on Christmas Eve. Liverpool had visited Goodison Park and narrowly beaten Everton 1-0.

Klopp made several rotations to the lineup today.

After all, April's schedule was too packed; it was impossible to rely on one lineup all the way through.

The formation remained 4-3-3.

Chen Anno was placed on the right wing, with Lallana on the left and Firmino through the middle.

Rodri, Emre Can, and Henderson partnered in midfield.

Across the back line stood Clyne, Matip, Van Dijk, and Milner.

Robertson was rested, with Milner filling in at left-back.

Mignolet continued in goal.