Georginio Wijnaldum expecting 'motivated' Everton to cause Liverpool problems in derby

Wijnaldum insists Everton won't be underestimated.
Getty Images
David Lynch28 February 2019

Georginio Wijnaldum is anticipating 'a big fight' when Liverpool take on neighbours Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Reds' bid for a first league title in 29 years comes under threat from their Merseyside rivals when they head across Stanley Park this weekend.

The two teams last met in December, when a typically close-fought affair was decided by Divock Origi's dramatic 96th-minute header.

And Wijnaldum is expecting a similarly difficult test when he and his teammates contest the reverse fixture against the Toffees.

In Pictures | Liverpool vs Watford | 27/02/2019

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He said: "I expect it’s going to be a big fight. It was a big and good game last time we played them here. They were really good, better than all the times I’d played them before.

“I don’t expect them to be less motivated than they were before. I think it’s going to be a difficult game.

“We always try to do the things we normally do. Every game is different. They can have a bad run and something can change and make them good again.

“In the derby, their fans expect a lot from the players, they will support the players on the pitch. It’s a different game to the others.

"This one is separate from all the other ones. I don’t think the last couple of games count, because of the atmosphere, the fans, the way everyone hypes this game. It’s different, separate.”

Goodison Park is sure to be at its intimidating best as Everton look to secure a first derby victory over Liverpool since 2010.

But Wijnaldum is hoping the visitors can use the hostile atmosphere to their advantage.

He added: "You use it to spur you on. It’s great to win there. My first year we won there.

"Then last year we had two draws, and we won in the cup. It’s a totally different atmosphere to a normal game, but we go there to play football and to hopefully enjoy it.”

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The Reds warmed up for the derby in perfect fashion on Wednesday - thrashing Watford 5-0 at Anfield to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.

That result came off the back of a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, which Wijnaldum believes was considered disappointing because of Manchester United's mixed form this season.

“I think the reaction was only because of the season United had, which was not that great," he said.

"If you collect a point away from home at Manchester United, then normally it’s a good result.

“But the situation they have had, the way the game goes, everybody already thought that Liverpool had to win, especially with the substitutions in the first half.

"Everybody said as if it was an easy game and Liverpool should win, but it doesn’t work like that.”

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