Sean Dyche has urged his Everton side not to listen to the noise the famous Anfield crowd will likely produce during Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
Fresh off beating fellow Premier League bottom-half rivals Bournemouth 3-1, the Toffees make a cross-city journey to face arch-rivals Liverpool in one of the most iconic fixtures in English football.
Despite guiding his struggling side to two wins in their last three league outings, Dyche is not off the hook yet, with Everton still flirting with the relegation territory.
Breaking a two-game losing streak at Anfield could be a turning point. But given the Toffees’ long-standing struggles at this stadium, only a miracle can save them from another disappointing afternoon.
Dyche, aware of Liverpool’s promising start and traditionally strong home record, will not go down without a fight, hoping his team can build momentum after ‘taking their chances’ against the Cherries.
“We were in decent spirits anyway, but (the win against Bournemouth) reaffirms to the players and staff that when you get it right when you take your chances, then it shows,” the Everton boss told the club’s website in the build-up.
“I’ve always said we are a good outfit. Despite all the challenges, we have a strong group of players, and it’s about performing and delivering.
“I was pleased it all came together. Not just to get a performance but to get a very good win on top of that.”
However, Dyche fully grasps the size of the task awaiting Everton this Saturday, with the Toffees bidding to become the first side to walk away from Anfield undefeated this season.
Liverpool have not just won all five competitive home games in 2023/24. They also scored precisely three goals on four occasions, highlighting their unparalleled dominance in front of the Kop.
“Their record is very strong,” Dyche acknowledged. “They are a good outfit. Our record needs changing there, we know that. It’s a tough place to go.
“But we won’t be listening to the noise around it. There’s a lot of it, of course, and rightfully so, it is a big game. But our focus is to get through that and concentrate on our performance.
“I must say from afar, you know the stories, but it’s not the same as when you are in it.”
