London (AFP)

Transfigured by a successful transfer window, Everton firmly awaits his neighbor and defending champion Liverpool from his place as leader of the Premier League, for an explosive Mersey derby at the opening of the 5th day.

It is a long time since the clash between the Blues and the Reds had not been so indecisive.

Everton's last victory against Liverpool in the league dates back to 2010 (2-0), it was October 17, 10 years to the day before the match that awaits them.

A defeat that had plunged Liverpool, then coached by Roy Hodgson, to 19th place in the standings, while Everton was in the middle of the table (11th), which did not prevent the Reds from finishing ahead of their neighbors at the end of the season (6th against 8th).

Since then, 10 times the Toffees have managed to grab a point, but 11 times they have fallen.

Beyond the prospect of extending his perfect record (4 wins in 4 matches) and taking a 6 point lead over Liverpool, it is almost a matter of honor that will drive Carlo Ancelotti's team.

Led by a James Rodriguez who is, for the time being, the best summer rookie for all clubs, and an unstoppable Dominic Calvert-Lewin with 10 goals in 8 games with his club and in the selection, the opportunity will be great for Everton d 'write a small page of history in the local rivalry.

"When I heard that (Carlo Ancelotti) was going to sign for Everton, I immediately said to myself + oh, oh, our next real challenger has arrived +", admitted Jürgen Klopp on Thursday.

"They were flawless in their purchases this summer. They found exactly the players they needed to improve an already good enough team," he added, referring in particular to Brazilian defensive midfielder Allan who arrived from Naples and to the French torchbearer Abdoulaye Doucouré, debauched at Watford.

But after his humiliating defeat (7-2) at Aston Villa on the last day, the champion's reaction is also expected, even if the international break still disrupts teams as rich in internationals as the Reds.

Saturday will reserve other great posters such as Manchester City against Arsenal (16:30 GMT).

Pep Guardiola's men, who have taken only 4 points in 3 matches played, can no longer afford to lose more ground on the top of the standings, facing the Gunners in ambush behind Everton (4th with 9 points) .

The neighbor, United, sad 16th with only 3 points in 3 matches and already 11 goals conceded, goes to Newcastle (19:00 GMT) before a trip to the Parc des Princes to face Paris SG in the Champions League.

The matches on Sunday and Monday will be especially valid for Leicester-Aston Villa (6.15pm GMT) which opposes the 3rd to the surprising 2nd, both three lengths behind the leader.

Premier League Matchday 5 schedule:

Saturday:

(1:30 p.m.) Everton - Liverpool

(4:00 p.m.) Chelsea - Southampton

(6.30 p.m.) Manchester City - Arsenal

(9:00 p.m.) Newcastle v Manchester United

Sunday:

(1:00 p.m.) Sheffield United v Fulham

(3:00 p.m.) Crystal Palace - Brighton

(5.30 p.m.) Tottenham - West Ham

(8:15 p.m.) Leicester - Aston Villa

Monday:

(6.30 p.m.) West Bromwich Albion - Burnley

(9 p.m.) Leeds - Wolverhampton

© 2020 AFP