Prediction: Liverpool vs Everton

The Merseyside rivals have had a surprisingly slow start to the new Premiership campaign, meaning the derby clash at Anfield will be a good opportunity for one of the two sides to kick-start their season. And while Liverpool can take some heart from the incredibly entertaining Capital One Cup win over Middlesbrough, Everton are in dire straits after back to back losses to Crystal Palace and Swansea.

While Luis Suarez was always going to be sorely missed, Liverpool were not expected to have so many problems at the start of the new season, having signed a number of quality players up front. However, injuries to Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge as well as Mario Balotelli’s late arrival and inconsistency spelled trouble for boss Brendan Rodgers, who has been unable to help the Reds rediscover the form that served them so well last term. And while it looked as though the Reds were back on the right track following the impressive away win over Tottenham Hotspur, unexpected defeats to Aston Villa and West Ham were enough to suggest that was not the case. Liverpool now desperately need to return to winning ways as quickly as possible or else their title bid could be effectively over, and what better way to kick-start their season than to defeat arch rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby. That is, however, easier said than done judging by team’s recent performances, although poor form does not have to mean anything in these kinds of matches. Brendan Rodgers has doubts over the fitness of Philippe Coutinho, but while Jordan Henderson should return, Daniel Sturridge and Glen Johnson are unlikely to feature.

Everton were widely expected to build on what was a very good last season, having kept the entire team together, while adding the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Christian Atsu and Muhamed Besic to their ranks. But, even if the attack appeared to be in fine working order in spite of the absence of Ross Barkley, the back line produced some shocking performances to concede no less than 17 goals in 7 competitive fixtures. Roberto Martinez was at pain to explain how the defence that underwent no changes have suffered such a dip in form, and after leaking six goals in last two matches, the Toffees will be desperate to shut up shop and avoid another embarrassing defeat at Anfield. The team obviously have plenty of room for improvement, but with games coming thick and fast they do need a morale-boosting win to turn things around. Roberto Martinez is hoping Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar will recover in time for the Liverpool game, while Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson are back in contention after coming through the Swansea match unscathed. Arouna Kone is unlikely to be used as he still lacks match fitness.

Conclusion

As we all know, current form rarely plays a part in Merseyside derbies, but Liverpool do look in better shape at the moment. With Everton experiencing serious problems at the back and key player Seamus Coleman doubtful, I believe the Reds will eventually record a narrow triumph over their neighbours.

Verdict: Home win Liverpool (1)

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365