High-scoring draw in Merseyside derby priced at 17/2

One of the most highly anticipated Merseyside derbies takes place later tonight, with both rivals going into the game high on spirits.

Liverpool may be seemingly out of the Premier League title chase at the moment, but the Reds have plenty reason for optimism as they are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years.

Brendan Rodgers’ side recovered well from the unexpected slip-up against Aston Villa, having secured the FA Cup fifth round clash with Arsenal by beating Bournemouth away.

The Reds have been made 5/6 favourites to win the Merseyside derby, although with so many high-profile absentees, the odds do not seem to reflect their winning chances.

Joe Allen and Mahamadou Sakho both face fitness tests, whereas Lucas Leiva, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger and Luis Enrique are definitely out.

Meanwhile, Everton have received a huge boost in the build-up to the clash at Anfield with Leighton Baines having sign a new long-term deal with the club.

And with the Toffees losing just one of last seventeen fixtures in all competitions, odds of 17/2 offered on draw with over 2.5 goals scored look extremely tempting, especially considering the 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture.

Just like his counterpart, Roberto Martinez faces serious selection problems, with Silvain Distin, Bryan Oviedo, Steven Pienaar, Seamus Coleman and Antolin Alcaraz all expected to miss out.

However, chances are that both Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley will play through the pain in what could be one of the most important fixtures of the season.