Liverpool will travel to Goodison Park to face derby rivals Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season on Saturday. The Reds lying in the second place, will take on 6th placed Everton, with two teams separated by only 3 points.

Meseryside derby is traditionally known for its fierce nature, as this fixture naturally draws more red cards than any other fixtures. However, with two managers, having a propensity towards playing possession and passing football, expect a more cerebral derby than physical one.

Everton have won only one of their last 13 Merseyside derby and have lost 7 of them. They are7/4 to win this match with Ladbrokes to win this match. Liverpool on the other hand are coming into this match on the back of a 4-0 victory against Fulham – the Reds are 6/4 to win the tie with Ladbrokes.

Everton are more compact this season under Roberto Martinez. On loan from Manchester City Gareth Barry provides a safety belt to the back four as they have only conceded three goals at home. But, it is the department in scoring goals, where lies the biggest problem. Nikica Jelavic is still struggling with his form, hence the goal scoring burden will once again rest on the shoulders of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku. He is7/4 with Ladbrokes with score anytime in the match.

Liverpool don’t have that problem and at the moment they’re scoring goals for fun. The partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge (both scored 18 goals) is envy for rest of Premier League clubs. The Englishman is 6/1 with Ladbrokes to score the first goal of the match on Saturday.

Team News:

Everton has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby. Antolin Alcaraz, the defender from Wigan, has recovered from a hernia operation, but he may have to wait for his debut.

Steven Gerrard, the England skipper needed a pain killer injection though he returned unscathed against Germany in the midweek. Kolo Toure is carrying a knock, while Jose Enrique will miss this tie and needs knee surgery.

Prediction: 0-1, Liverpool need a strong performance after the international break, and so the Reds might carve out a victory.

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