Prediction: Liverpool vs Everton

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill

With international break finally over, there is hardly a better way to get back in action than with a highly-contested Merseyside derby. Liverpool lock horns with Everton looking to preserve their top four place, whereas Everton seek a win of their own that would keep their European hopes alive.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s men have finally been able to put the devastating start to 2017 behind them. Having lost to reigning champions Leicester back in February, the Reds managed a morale-boosting triumph against Arsenal and a 1-1 draw at Manchester City, with the 2-1 win over Burnley sandwiched in between. It has been a rather difficult season for Jurgen Klopp’s team so far, with Liverpool showing glimpse of great promise, but at the same suffering from inexplicable drops in forms and slumps beyond comprehension. Consistency has been a great problem for the Reds this term, especially in games against ‘smaller’ teams and in games where Liverpool were fully expected to emerge triumphant. The winning mentality seems to be kicking in only when the stakes are high and where rivals are exciting enough, which is a big problem for the Anfield-based club. Fortunately, another such game is on schedule for the Reds as Liverpool head into the Merseyside derby determined to grab three points and preserve the four-point lead in front of Manchester United in fifth place in the standings. It’s been seven years since Everton last defeated Liverpool in the Merseyside game and the hosts are fully expected to uphold their favourites tag. It won’t be easy as Jurgen Klopp is faced with a huge selection headache.

Team News

Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge remain on the sidelines together with Ings and Ejaria, whereas arguably the biggest problem for the hosts is the absence of influential midfielder Adam Lallana, who picked up a thigh injury during international duty.

Liverpool did send a private jet for their Brazilian stars Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, but there is a bit of a question related to the fitness of the two first-team stars after a long journey back to England.

Everton

The Toffees are targeting their first victory over Liverpool in seven years as they prepare to make an important push towards the European places. Everton are currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League standings, level on points with Arsenal in sixth and only two behind Manchester United in fifth. Ronald Koeman’s men have great desire to put a spicy twist on the Premier League, but it will be easier said than done given that numbers are stacked against the Toffees for this particular occasion. Everton might be coming off from back-to-back home wins over West Brom and Hull City, respectively, but their away form is something to worry about. Two wins in last 12 matches on the road really are a worrying sign for the Toffees, who have also scored only two goals in their last 5 encounters with Liverpool. To put things into perspective, during the same time Everton conceded 11 goals. The visitors will be hoping their in-form striker Romelu Lukaku could help break the trend. The Belgian forward has scored 21 goals so far in the campaign and could be a vital presence on the pitch for Everton.

Team News

Yannick Bolasie remains on the sidelines through an injury, whereas Seamus Coleman has suffered a terrible broken leg and Everton defender will be out for quite some time.

McCarthy is still struggling with his thigh injury, while Morgan Schneiderlin has calf problems, but there is a big chance both of them will be available for the Saturday’s match.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool are yet to lose to Everton at home since 1999
• The Reds are unbeaten in their last 3 matches
• Everton won only 2 of their last 12 games on the road
• Four of the last 5 games between these two teams were under 2.5 goals
• Liverpool and Everton have a game in hand to their rivals

Conclusion

Liverpool are a force to be reckoned with on home soil and given their results in big games such as this one, a win should not be put under doubt. Jurgen Klopp’s men are extremely keen to win and preserve their top four ambitions, whereas Everton still has some chances of making it to Europe, so we expect to see a hugely-contested match.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill