Prediction: Liverpool vs Everton

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: Betfair

The Merseyside Derby takes place on Saturday at Anfield, as Liverpool welcome neighbours Everton from across Stanley Park in what will be a game within the ninth matchday in the Premier League this season.

The gap between the two teams in the table rankings is every bit as big as it has been over the last few seasons, with Liverpool sitting fourth, three points off Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the top, and Everton in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s preparations for their recent trip to the Amex Stadium were marred by the aftermath of their agonizing and seemingly unfair defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. However, they managed to find solace in a straightforward victory in the Europa League against Union SG.

Their match against Brighton & Hove Albion on October 8 saw Liverpool struggle early on, with Simon Adingra taking advantage of a defensive mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister to open the scoring. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s star Mohamed Salah, as usual, came to the rescue, equalizing and overturning the deficit within the last five minutes of the first half.

However, Liverpool’s problems with defending set-pieces proved costly, as Lewis Dunk scrambled home a free kick from Solly March, preventing Liverpool from an immediate return to winning ways in the Premier League and dropping them to fourth place in the standings.

Despite this setback, Liverpool have the advantage of a superior goal-difference over Spurs and Arsenal. Should they claim victory in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, they will secure the top spot in the league, at least for a few hours. Additionally, the Reds have found the net in each of their last 21 competitive fixtures.

Liverpool remain unbeaten at Anfield, their home ground, this season. They’ve secured five wins in as many home games, consistently scoring at least two goals in each of these matches. Importantly, they haven’t been defeated at Anfield in the Premier League throughout the current calendar year.

Team News

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be without Andy Robertson, who picked up a shoulder injury on international duty. Kostas Tsimikas is therefore nailed on to start on the left defensive flank. Thiago Alcantara remains out with a hip problem, while Stefan Bajcetic could recover sufficiently to make the bench.

Curtis Jones will serve the second of his three matches of suspension, but Diogo Jota is back in contention after serving his own punishment against Brighton. The Portugal international is likely to start, given the long journeys Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have to make to return from international duty. Further more, Cody Gakpo faces a late fitness test, as does young winger Ben Doak.

Everton

In the Premier League this season, Everton have struggled in terms of their conversion rate, with only two teams in the entire division doing worse than their 6.77%. However, they demonstrated an ability to create scoring opportunities and showed clinical finishing in their recent victory over Bournemouth.

In that match, James Garner scored the opener, Jack Harrison delivered a stunning goal, and Abdoulaye Doucoure added a third, resulting in a morale-boosting 3-0 win against their fellow strugglers. This win came just a week after a disappointing 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Luton Town at Goodison Park.

Everton have shown promise in their recent performances, securing three wins in their last four games across all competitions. They notably defeated top-half teams like Aston Villa and Brentford. However, they still find themselves just above the relegation zone in 16th place.

The Toffees’ season began with a goal drought, failing to score in their first three matches. But they have now found the back of the net in six of their last seven games and have scored at least two goals in each of their last four away matches, although they have had difficulties keeping clean sheets at the defensive end.

Team News

During the international break, there haven’t been significant changes in the Everton squad’s injury status. Seamus Coleman is still working his way back to full fitness from a knee injury, and Dele Alli is recovering from a groin issue. Andre Gomes, who has been dealing with a calf problem, remains uncertain in terms of his availability at the moment.

In the match against Bournemouth two weeks ago, Idrissa Gueye was initially set to start but suffered a heel injury during the warm-up. As a result, James Garner was brought in to play in midfield, and he delivered an outstanding performance, giving manager Sean Dyche a pleasant selection dilemma.

Gueye was able to represent Senegal during the international break, but Dyche may opt to stick with the same lineup that secured their recent victory, which would mean Dominic Calvert-Lewin retaining his place as the number nine, pushing out Beto for the spot.

Conclusion

With a growing appetite for scoring goals away from home, Everton have the potential to break their three-game scoreless streak against their local rivals.

But should Everton manage to take the lead at Anfield, it’s important to note that Liverpool has a reputation for mounting comebacks. Klopp’s attack-oriented team is well-equipped to respond with goals of their own, and this could potentially allow the hosts to rise to the top of the league standings, even if only temporarily.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: Betfair