Liverpool v Everton preview

Premier League preview: Liverpool meet Everton in derby at Anfield

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool manager ready to welcome Everton to Anfield

Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton meet at Anfield on Saturday, with both teams going into the first derby of the season on the back of stuttering starts.

Liverpool have lost three of their opening five Premier League games to sit 11th in the early table, while Everton are down in 14th after picking up just one victory.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are having to contend with both increasing expectations and commitments this season following last term’s second-placed finish which secured a return to the UEFA Champions League.

A nervy 2-1 home win over Ludogorets earlier this month at least secured a positive start in the Champions League and, in midweek, Liverpool scrambled past Championship side Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup after a dramatic 14-13 penalty shoot-out success.

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool aren't concerned over reports they could be investigated by UEFA

Everton also enjoyed a positive return to European football after posting a 4-1 triumph over Bundesliga club Wolfsburg at Goodison Park in their opening Europa League group game.

But a more congested schedule could be playing a part in Everton’s inconsistent start to the season as the win over Wolfsburg was followed by a home defeat by Crystal Palace in the league and a 3-0 loss at Swansea in the League Cup in midweek.

Liverpool, who have beaten Southampton and lost to Aston Villa at Anfield in the league this season, boast an impressive recent derby record after losing just one of the last 15 top-flight meetings with Everton.
Opta Facts

    Everton have scored only five goals in their last 12 Premier League games at Anfield.
    Raheem Sterling has been involved in nine goals (six goals, three assists) in his last 10 Premier League appearances.
    Mario Balotelli has scored just one goal in his last 19 Premier League games, this despite attempting 37 shots (excl. blocked) in these games.

The last time Everton tasted victory at the home of their rivals was 15 years to the day of the game when Kevin Campbell scored the only goal of a game which saw three players sent off, including current Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Team news

Liverpool remain hopeful striker Daniel Sturridge could return for the Merseyside derby.

Sturridge suffered a thigh injury on England duty earlier this month and will be given every chance to prove his fitness.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson (hip) and playmaker Philippe Coutinho (groin) are among a number of other players who could return.

Everton duo Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar are facing a race to be fit for the game.

Full-back Coleman has missed the last two matches with a head injury while midfielder Pienaar damaged a thigh in Everton's second game of the season.

Roberto Martinez talks about possible interest in Ross Barkley and Everton’s poor defensive record this season

Midfielder Darron Gibson and full-back Bryan Oviedo have both proved their fitness after long-term injuries but striker Arouna Kone needs some minutes on the pitch and playmaker Ross Barkley (knee) is still several weeks away.

Paul Merson’s prediction:

This is a big game for both teams because both have been having a bit of a disaster so far and whoever loses will be having even more of a disaster. It might kick-start the season for whoever wins and I’ve got to go for Liverpool to get a narrow win. That’s mainly because I’ve never known Everton to be so bad defensively. They’ve been all over the place and they were well beaten by Swansea in midweek with a decent team out.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

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