Premier League preview: Everton v Liverpool

Everton will be hoping to continue to their recent good form against neighbours Liverpool when the arch-rivals meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The blue half of the city claimed the bragging rights in last season’s Merseyside derbies, winning at home and drawing away at Anfield as Liverpool suffered one of their worst campaigns in recent memory.

This season under new manager Kenny Dalglish, the Reds have jumped out of the blocks quickly as they look to regain their place among the English Premier League’s top clubs.

David Moyes’ Everton have started slowly, taking seven points from their opening five games after losing a number of players during the transfer window.

Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford all left Goodison Park in the final days of the transfer window, leaving a big hole in Everton’s attack.

The Toffees have coped well, however, and were unbeaten in five matches in all competitions until last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.

The atmosphere of a Merseyside derby is like few other rivalries in world football, and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that may work in his side’s favour against Liverpool’s new-look line up.

“If you play passionately for a long period of time you start to become part of the fabric of the club just like the fans are and the way the homegrown players are,” Howard told Everton’s official website.

“Everyone wants to know when the Liverpool game is, how quickly it comes in the season and whether it is at Anfield or at home.”

“We’re up for it and it’ll be a good one.”

Australian Tim Cahill is expected to take his place in the Everton XI after an ankle injury he picked up against City was not as serious as first thought.

Cahill and his team-mates will no doubt be looking to expose Liverpool’s defensive frailty, with the Reds keeping just one clean sheet so far this season.

Defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are both still out with injury, but Martin Skrtel will be available after serving his suspension while Martin Kelly has made a successful return from injury.

The derby could also see Reds captain Steven Gerrard make his return to the starting line up, after making brief substitute appearances in Liverpool’s last two matches.

The form of striker Andy Carroll will be a key concern for Kenny Dalglish, with the former Newcastle man yet to find the back of the net in the league this season.