Everton vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park for the 219th Merseyside derby on Sunday.

David Moyes men head into the game sitting comfortably above their rivals and are arguably considered as favourites for this one.

Everton currently sit fourth in the table after an excellent start to the new season while Brendan Rodgers side are way down in 12th after a poor opening eight games. However, victory for the Reds will see them move to within three points of their fierce city rivals.

Everton have the local bragging rights after finishing higher than Liverpool last season – only the second time they’ve achieved this in the last 25 attempts – but they lost all three derbies including the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Team News

Moyes will have to make do without the services of key midfielder Steven Pienaar after he was harshly sent-off last week against QPR.

Marouane Fellaini missed the game at Loftus Road due to a knee injury but is expected to return on Sunday. Defender Tony Hibbert is also expected back after missing the last five games with a calf problem.

The big question mark for Liverpool is over the fitness of goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Spaniard has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain but returned to training on Friday and should start.

Glen Johnson is expected to play despite being forced off at half-time during Thursday’s 1-0 win over Anzhi. However, striker Fabio Borini is out after breaking his foot earlier in the month and he joins Martin Kelly and Lucas Leiva on the sidelines.

Stewart Downing will hope to retain his place after scoring a fine winner in midweek but Rodgers may opt to play youngster Suso on the right.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Goodison Park is a notoriously difficult place to visit at the best of times but combine that with the Blues superb early-season form, it’s going to be a difficult afternoon for Brendan Rodgers side. However, we can see the Reds taking a point from this one. Everton 1-1 Liverpool.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.

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