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Goodison Park plays host to one of the most intriguing Merseyside derbies in recent memory, with just one point separating Everton from Liverpool. It’s anyone’s guess which side of Stanley Park will take the three points, so join The Roar from 11:30pm (AEDT) for live coverage.
There aren’t many tickets more sought after on the Premier League calendar than the Merseyside derby.
Traditionally, Liverpool have been the more fancied of the two sides, however on this occasion Everton stand as marginal favourites. The Blues outrank their crosstown rivals after seven rounds, sitting just one spot outside the Champions League qualification places with 12 points.
The Reds on the other hand find themselves in ninth, one point behind the Toffees.
Liverpool’s form this season has been patchy to say the least. A number of poor results has seen Brendan Rodgers’ fan support as manager compromised, and a tight, 3-2 victory over Aston Villa last weekend stands as a shining light in a run of poor form.
The fans will no doubt be much easier on the man in the hot seat if he can pull off a result here. Historically, form goes out the window in the Merseyside derby and Rodgers for one will hope that trend continues.
Everton are undefeated in their last four Premier League fixtures. Last week, an inspired comeback saw them best West Brom 3-2 at the Hawthorns – a good result considering they were two goals adrift after 55 minutes.
Striker Romelu Lukaku sparked the fightback against the Baggies and his manager Roberto Martinez will be hoping he carries this form into this important fixture.
In their past 10 meetings, the spoils were split on six occasions, while the Reds were victorious in three and the Blues just once. The last time the two sides met on the blue side of Stanley Park, a hard-fought nil-all draw was the result. F
ans and neutrals alike will be hoping for a livelier affair on this occasion.
In player news, Everton remain without defenders Tony Hibbert and Leighton Baines, as well as midfielders Tom Cleverley and Steven Pienaar through injury, while Kevin Mirallas remains suspended after seeing red against Swansea.
The Reds too have a fairly substantial injury ward, with Dejan Lovren, Jon Flanagan, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Christian Benteke all out due to various ailments.
Prediction
Everton 1-1 Liverpool
Join The Roar from 11:30pm (AEDT) for coverage and participation in our live blog.
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