Liverpool v Everton

The 229^th Merseyside derby is upon us, Anfield is the venue, with Everton looking to end an 18 year wait to taste victory at the home of their neighbours across the park, a win would also be the Blues’ first over Liverpool at any stadium in seven long years…

Almost two months have passed since the Reds were embarrassed by Tottenham at Wembley, but it was a real turning point for Jurgen Klopp’s men, they have not lost in the nine fixtures that have followed the 4-1 drubbing in London.

Liverpool’s attack is frightening, they are in red hot form going into this one having netted 12 goals in their previous two games against Brighton and Spartak Moscow.

But the Toffees’ form is on the up too, three wins and three clean sheets in their last three outings have seen a push up the table and a massive boost in confidence around the camp.

A good omen for Everton going into the game is the fact the last away manager to pick up three points at Anfield was Sam Allardyce, back in April when he took a struggling Crystal Palace side to the home of the Reds, played with no fear and left with a 2-1 win.

Big Sam will be looking for more of the same come Sunday.

One to watch 

Mohamed Salah has set the place alight since his summer arrival from Roma, a hefty price tag alongside his failed time at Chelsea raised some eyebrows but the Egyptian has more than proved his worth. The winger has bagged himself 18 goals already this campaign in just 23 appearances, and no one has bettered his 12 in the Premier League.

A serious downfall in an Everton defence that has shipped 28 league goals this term is how they are dealing with pace, and Salah is a man with plenty of it. Mostly operating on the right, whoever is selected at left back for the Blues will have a monumental job on their hands.

Team news

The hosts will be without Alberto Moreno after the Spaniard picked up an ankle injury during their Champions League clash. Nathaniel Clyne remains side-lined. Joel Matip and Adam Lallana are doubtful.

Phil Jagielka is fit, Yannick Bolasie is back in training but is not in contention for Sunday, Leighton Baines is still a doubt.

Man in the middle –

Craig Pawson will referee the derby and having already sent Idrissa Gueye off this season he is a man not shy of a card. Four reds and 51 yellows have been dished out by Pawson this campaign.

Both sides will be eager to continue on impressive runs, Klopp is looking to keep his 100% win record against Everton but Big Sam is a man desperate to win over the doubters of his credentials, and what better way to do that then beating Liverpool on their own turf?

Up the Toffees.