Football pundits have controversially claimed that Liverpool are now the "underdogs" heading into this weekend's highly anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton. This surprising assessment follows a string of disappointing performances from the Reds, most notably their recent Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
Champions League Exit Sparks Underdog Debate
Liverpool's hopes for a historic European comeback were dashed as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to PSG at Anfield, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate loss. A brace from Ousmane Dembele sealed the victory for the holders, exposing another disjointed display from Arne Slot's side. This result has intensified scrutiny on Liverpool's form, with former players weighing in on their prospects for the derby.
Pundits Voice Concerns Over Liverpool's Slump
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, speaking on Amazon Prime Video, highlighted the team's recent struggles. "Obviously the form in the last month, I know the Galatasaray win was a great result but I don't think Galatasaray are great, so they've been turned over by Brighton, beat by Man City. I think Liverpool go into this game as probably underdogs," Fowler stated after the full-time whistle.
Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United striker, echoed these sentiments, noting growing anxiety among Liverpool supporters. "It's the first time in a long time I've spoke to so many friends who are Liverpool fans and they're a little bit worried about the Merseyside derby," Rooney explained. "We've seen this Liverpool team all season not give as much as they can, I believe. And I think this derby game has come at the wrong time for Liverpool."
Liverpool's Form Crisis Deepens
The Champions League exit marks Liverpool's fourth loss in their last five games across all competitions. This poor run includes a 4-0 FA Cup demolition by Manchester City and a league defeat to Brighton before the international break. With only six Premier League matches remaining, the Reds currently sit in fifth place, just four points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, as they battle for a top-five finish to secure Champions League football next season.
Sturridge Disagrees with Underdog Label
Not all pundits share this pessimistic view. Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge strongly disagreed with the underdog narrative, pushing back against the idea that Everton are in a superior position. "Let's not try and make out like now all of a sudden Everton are in a good moment, now Liverpool are underdogs," Sturridge argued. "I know we're talking about pressure and stuff, but for games like that you don't need anything extra."
High Stakes for the Derby and Beyond
The Merseyside derby, scheduled for Sunday, 19 April at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, carries significant implications. A win for Everton would narrow the gap to just two points behind their fierce rivals, adding pressure to Liverpool's campaign. Furthermore, Liverpool face a challenging run-in, with upcoming fixtures against Manchester United away on 3 May, Chelsea at Anfield on 9 May, and Aston Villa away around 17 May, all crucial in the race for European qualification.
As the battle for top-five intensifies, this derby could prove pivotal. With pundits divided and form faltering, Liverpool must rally to defy the underdog tag and secure a vital victory in one of football's most historic rivalries.
