Luis Suarez of Liverpool holds off John Heitinga of Everton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Always a fiery fixture, the match has produced more red cards over the Premiership years than any other game (21 so far) but is always an excellent spectacle, regardless of location or how the two sides are faring in the league at the time of the match.
Frequently, both teams will raise their levels of effort and intensity for the match, such is the strength of feeling between the two sets of supporters and the need to secureâ€"as well as the all-important three pointsâ€"the local bragging rights.
Current form
Everton were one of the in-form sides in the league up until a few weeks ago, but two draws in their past two games against QPR and Wigan, both down at the bottom of the table, have stunted their progression somewhat. Even so, the Toffees sit fourth in the table and have lost just once in the league this season, which was two months ago against West Brom (2-0).
Liverpool had a tough start to the campaign, playing both Manchester teams, Arsenal and Chelsea in the opening weeks of the season. Following on from last season, the Reds struggled for home wins and have lost more than they have won this seasonâ€"but form has picked up of late, with Liverpool having lost just once from the past five league games. Three clean sheets in a row in all competitions similarly hints at well-placed renewed optimism.
Injuries and suspensions
The home team are without suspended Steven Pienaar, sent off last weekend, and Marouane Fellaini is yet to be passed fit after a knee injury kept him out for the past two weeks. The Belgian may yet return to the side though, as could right-back Tony Hibbert who has a calf injury.
For the Reds, three long-term absentees will continue to watch from the sidelines in Lucas Leiva, Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini. Pepe Reina is the only other concern, with Brad Jones pushing hard to keep his place after successive clean sheets even if Reina is fit and available. The Reds played Thursday evening against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League so will have significantly less time than Everton to rest and prepare ahead of the game.
Key individuals
Everton will look to their forwards Nikica Jelavic and Kevin Mirallas to provide the goal threat, while Fellaini’s possible return would also boost them. A big decision that David Moyes needs to get right is who to play in the centre of defence, after costly errors have resulted in Liverpool goals in previous games between the sides.
Liverpool will likely field at least four Merseyside derby debutants themselves, with youngsters Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom making up half that number. Joe Allen and Nuri Sahin in midfield should also experience the game for the first time, with Oussama Assaidi or Suso also hoping to get the nod on the left side.
Don’t rule out experienced derby winner Steven Gerrard from having the telling impact though.
Past and Present
Despite Everton being confident when going into derby matches over recent seasons, David Moyes has a wretched record against Liverpool in his 11 seasons in charge. Everton have won just four of the last 28 derbies, with Liverpool winning all three last season: 2-0 at Goodison, 3-0 at Anfield and 2-1 at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinal.
Prediction: Everton 2 â€" 2 Liverpool
It’ll be tight, tough and tenacious and you certainly wouldn’t rule out a winner either way, given how both sides have approached the league this year. But it’s sit on the fence time.
For more on the Merseyside Derby check out Evertonian Miguel Rubio and Liverpudlian Thomas Atzenhoffer’s fireside chat here.
Liverpool News
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