Liverpool v Everton Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool entertain rivals Everton on Sunday lunchtime looking to close the gap on their neighbours and secure the local bragging rights.

The Reds head into the game sitting seventh in the Premier League table – five points behind sixth-placed Everton. A win would therefore move them to within just two points but defeat for Brendan Rodgers men will ensure they will finish below their Mersey rivals for the second consecutive season.

Liverpool should be full of confidence having thrashed Newcastle 6-0 last weekend, proving they can cope without the services of talismanic striker Luis Suarez.

The Toffees kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive with a narrow win over Fulham last time out but they haven’t won at Anfield in almost 14 years so David Moyes will be looking to break that run this weekend.

Team News

Liverpool will continue to be without striker Suarez as he serves the second of his 10-game ban. Daniel Sturridge put in a superb display last week at St James’ Park, scoring two and setting up another, and will lead the line once again on Sunday.

Fellow striker Fabio Borini made a goal-scoring return last weekend but is likely to be among the subs again, while Jamie Carragher will play his final Merseyside derby before retiring at the end of the season. Martin Kelly and Joe Allen remain on the sidelines and Raheem Sterling is also unavailable.

The visitors are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Darron Gibson who missed last weeks game with hip and thigh problems. Nikica Jelavic is expected to continue up front with Victor Anichebe, while Tony Hibbert is likely to be among the subs after making a successful return from injury following a calf injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool have the bragging rights in this fixture in recent times with Everton only winning 1 of the previous 12 Premier League Merseyside derbies, and I can see this trend continuing this weekend. Liverpool 2-1 Everton

What would be your preferred line-up for the game and whats you predicted score? Get involved in the comments section below.