The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City last time out, although the extremely entertaining encounter at the Etihad Stadium could easily have ended in a victory or a loss. Jurgen Klopp will have looked to take the positives from the game - and they did create numerous chances throughout - which saw Liverpool move four points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in the race for the Champions League qualification spots. The draw with City also means that the Reds are still unbeaten in clashes with other teams in the top seven - of which Everton are a part - although there can be no room for complacency ahead of this weekend’s derby.
Ronald Koeman's men briefly climbed into sixth following their 4-0 thrashing of Hull City immediately prior to the international break, before Manchester United's 3-1 defeat of Middlesbrough saw them fall back down to seventh spot. There are not many Premier League outfits in better form than the Toffees, though: since the turn of the year, Everton have won seven and drawn two of their 10 top-flight encounters, with their only reverse coming against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Koeman's charges have almost certainly left it too late for the top four - they are six points adrift heading into this weekend's clash - but victory at Anfield would keep their slim hopes alive and, at the very least, strengthen their grip on sixth place.
Liverpool will have to make do without Daniel Sturridge (hip) and long-term absentee Danny Ings (knee), but Jordan Henderson could return to the fold after a foot problem. Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum were both excellent against Manchester City, however, so the club captain may start the match on the substitutes’ bench rather than the pitch. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho will continue as the Reds’ front three, meanwhile.
Everton will be unable to call upon the services of Seamus Coleman (leg), Yannick Bolasie and Mo Besic (both knee), while Morgan Schneiderlin is struggling with a calf strain. Ademola Lookman could return on the left wing, with Ross Barkley again set to be given the freedom to drift infield from the right and Romelu Lukaku guaranteed to lead the line up front.
Taking everything into account, it could be wise to put some money behind a draw when these two teams lock horns in the early kick-off on Saturday. Everton will look to make things difficult for Klopp’s men, packing men behind the ball and playing on the counter-attack, and have more than enough ability in forward areas to cause their opponents problems. Liverpool also possess plenty of quality up top, though, which is why a draw with both teams to score looks like the best betting option. In the anytime goalscorer market, consider placing some money on Lukaku moving further clear at the top of the Premier League’s scoring charts.
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