Prediction: Everton vs Liverpool

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: William Hill

The Merseyside derby will generate even more interest now that Everton are finally showing some improvement and Liverpool have emerged as serious title contenders. The match will be much more important for the Reds in terms of their current league position, but the Toffees will certainly be buoyed by the 2-1 triumph over Arsenal.

Everton

Even if they could climb to seventh in the Premier League standings after the Liverpool derby, Everton are clearly punching below their weight this season and they definitely need several good results in a row to return to the right track. The team had been pretty disappointing until a week ago, taking mere two points from five league fixtures, and things did not look too promising when Arsenal took the lead at Goodison Park. However, the Toffees rallied and managed to stage a great comeback to record their first victory in over six weeks. The intensity and excellent performance of full-backs Chris Coleman and Leighton Baines made all the difference a week ago, and there are no doubts Everton will be hoping to do it all over again and put a dent into Liverpool’s title hopes. This team clearly have the potential to show considerable improvement, but there are some weak spots as well, and chances are that Ronald Koeman will have to reinforce his ranks in January if his side are to even come close to challenging for European positions. When it comes to recent meetings with their arch rivals, Everton didn’t do too well, as they are winless in last 12 meetings with Liverpool.

Team News

Captain Phil Jagielka is banned for the Liverpool game, meaning that Ramiro Funes Mori will be drafted into the starting line-up.

There are no improvements on the injury front, as Yannick Bolasie, Muhamed Besic, Arouna Kone and Matthew Pennington are all sidelined.



Liverpool

For the first time after several years, Liverpool are back in the Premier League title chase, although they face a tough task of keeping up with relentless Chelsea. Successive slip-ups against AFC Bournemouth and West Ham have created problems for Jurgen Klopp and his men, and they will be in real problems unless they can record a win at Goodison Park. It is perfectly clear that star player Philippe Coutinho is being sorely missed, even though Divock Origi and Adam Lallana have stepped up the plate in the Brazilian’s absence. The Reds showed a great deal of improvement to defeat Middlesbrough 3-0 at Riverside, with aforementioned duo having a key role to play, but it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to perform at a similar level when facing local rivals Everton. The good news is that the Reds have done fairly well on the road this season, winning six of nine matches in all competitions, and they even managed to beat current leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, although that was back when the Blues were struggling for form.

Team News

Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings continue to miss out, whereas Daniel Sturridge is a major selection doubt after missing last month of action.

Manager Jurgen Klopp also faces doubts over the fitness of Emre Can and Joel Matip, who are set to undergo late fitness tests.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton are winless in last 12 meetings with Liverpool (D7 L5)
• Their last four meetings at Goodison Park ended all square
• The Reds kept four clean sheets in last four games
• Six Liverpool players scored 4 goals or more in the current campaign
• Just eight Everton footballers scored a Premiership goal this term

Conclusion

Having returned to winning ways just ahead of the Merseyside derby, Everton can be trusted to make life difficult for their local rivals, and with the Reds not exactly in the best shape at the moment, we expect the two sides to share spoils for the fifth successive time at Goodison Park.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: William Hill