Few people would have guessed that so much would be at stake as Everton prepare to host their arch-rivals in the 180th Merseyside league derby. The home team’s form has slipped to such an extent that they have won just once in their last seven games following their 3-2 defeat at Hull in midweek. Things are no better across Stanley Park, though, with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez desperate for victory to end a run of three successive away defeats and begin a move back up the table.

Quick Check

Everton

  • Winger Steven Pienaar is hoping to make his return after two months out with knee trouble.
  • Leon Osman could also feature after injury.
  • Marouane Fellaini is available after a one-match ban.
  • Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is also available after serving a three-match suspension.
  • Striker Louis Saha has scored seven goals in ten Premier League outings.
  • Everton are unbeaten at home in their last five games, but have drawn the last three.
  • Teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell is doubtful with a groin strain.
  • Phil Neville could be out until Christmas after undergoing a second knee operation.
  • Everton have conceded in their last seven league games, winning only once.
  • Defender Phil Jagielka will be sidelined until the end of the year with a long-term knee problem.
  • Everton haven’t beaten their arch rivals in the league since September 2006.

Liverpool

  • Leading scorer Fernando Torres may return from a three-week lay-off with a groin problem.
  • Yossi Benyoun could start in midfield after making a rapid recovery from injury.
  • The Reds are unbeaten in the last five Merseyside derbies in the league.
  • Albert Riera and Ryan Babel are struggling to overcome hamstring and ankle injuries.
  • Defender Phillipp Degen is unavailable as he serves the final game of a three-match ban.
  • Liverpool have won just one of their last six Premier League matches.
  • Rafa Benitez’s side has lost six of their last 11 games in all competitions.
  • The Reds have conceded in seven of their last eight league outings.

Expert Advice

These are troubled times at Merseyside’s two premier clubs and both teams have their own agendas for victory, which is likely to make for a fiercer than usual derby at Goodison Park. The pressure continues to mount on Benitez at Liverpool but the treatment room at Anfield is finally starting to empty out and, with the likes of Gerrard and Benayoun restored to the starting line-up, the Reds will have a much-needed cutting edge again. Fernando Torres may also feature at some stage against an Everton side short on confidence and who could be sucked into a relegation fight if their present run continues. Striker Louis Saha may cause problems for the visitors but Everton are in a rut and the Reds should still have too much, so Betsson’s odds of 3.95 for an away win by one goal appears a value bet.

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