'Derby win would be a big boost in top-four push'
Victory in Saturday’s Merseyside derby would provide Liverpool’s ambitions of Champions League qualification with a major boost, Ian Rush believes.
The Reds host Everton this weekend knowing that a win would strengthen their grip on a place in the Premier League’s top four.
This season’s first meeting between the clubs at Goodison Park saw Jürgen Klopp’s side claim all three points in the most dramatic of circumstances, as Sadio Mane settled matters with an injury-time winner.
And Rush, whose tally of 25 goals in 36 Liverpool appearances against the Blues represents a record for the fixture, feels that a repeat outcome this time around could go a long way to securing a return to European football’s premier club competition.
“I’m sure the Liverpool players, when they play Everton, will go out there and want to play really well,” said the Welshman.
“They’re doing really well at the moment, some of them have had this break [in Tenerife] so they’ll come back fresh.
“It’s going to be one hell of a game against Everton, because they’re doing alright at the moment as well, but I think with the crowd behind them, hopefully Liverpool can get the win.
“The top four is still the main priority and I think if they can get a win against Everton, it’s on to finish in the top four.”