Liverpool vs Everton Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Liverpool entertain Everton in the 222nd Merseyside derby at Anfield tonight in a game that’s going to prove key in both sides top-four hopes.

The Reds head into the clash sitting fourth in the Premier League but are just one point above six-placed Everton so it’s all to play for tonight with fifth-placed Spurs potentially being the big winners if the game ends a draw.

The two teams played-out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Goodison Park earlier in the season which was Brendan Rodgers third consecutive draw against the Toffees, so he’ll be searching for his first derby win tonight.

The Northern Irishman should be confident in doing so as Everton haven’t won a single game in their last 13 visits to Anfield, while Liverpool have lost just one of the last 14 Mersey derbies home and away.

Rodgers men warmed up for the game with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup where they’ll play Arsenal at the Emirates.

Team News

Liverpool will make a late decision over Joe Allen’s inclusion after the Welshman missed the weekend clash due to a hamstring injury. He returned to training yesterday but Rodgers has hinted he may not be ready to start a game just yet.

Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho remain on the sidelines so Kolo Toure is expected to continue alongside Martin Skrtel at the back, while Jon Flanagan is pushing for a recall having made his return from the bench on Saturday following a month out.

Lucas Leiva is out for two months and Jose Enrique is still working his way back to full fitness, but Raheem Sterling is in-line for a recall after being rested at the weekend.

Roberto Martinez has a whole host of injury worries to contend with, particularly at the with Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, Antolin Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman all doubts for the game while Brian Oviedo is out with a broken leg.

Jagielka came off at half time on Saturday but is likely to play through the pain. However, Distin, Coleman and Alcaraz are expected to miss out.

Midfielder Ross Barkley will have pain-killing injections in his foot in order to feature but Steven Pienaar is likely to miss out.  New loan signing Lacina Traore could make the squad.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: The magical Uruguayan will certainly be the main threat to Everton’s back-line and he’ll be looking to build upon his 22 league goals so far this season. Can the Toffees stop him? It’s doubtful.

Predicted Score

Liverpool 2-1 Everton: This is sure to be another closely fought game but we can see the Reds edging it with home advantage proving vital as they claim the spoils.

What team would you like to see start and what do you think the score will be? Share your suggestions below.