Liverpool v Everton:Toffees Hope to Give Rampant Reds a Sticky Situation in Derby Clash

The 232nd Merseyside Derby takes centre stage this Sunday afternoon – kick: off 16:15 GMT as Liverpool host their local rivals, Everton, in what is anticipated as another fierce Derby Day clash.

This game is a must-win for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as the red half of Merseyside currently trail league leaders Manchester City by two points in the Premier League table, while Everton, sit in sixth place on 22 points – eleven behind their weekend opponents.

Liverpool must quickly erase their midweek 2-1 Champions League defeat at Paris St Germain in preparation for this game, while Everton have had the benefit of no midweek fixture, so the Toffees can be fully tuned up for this hugely important game, not just for Premier League points, but for local rivalry, with bragging rights at stake.

Everton are a ‘work in progress’ under relatively new boss Marco Silva, who made several signings over the summer transfer period in an attempt to improve their strength of squad and league position. So far, the Portuguese manager has had some success, but the trip to Anfield will be a very stern test of his credentials.

Match Odds

Home side Liverpool are the strong favourites with the bookmakers to continue their winning run in the Premier League, as the Reds can be backed at the best industry price, at the time of writing of 2/5 with Unibet amongst others. Klopp’s side have been almost imperious this season at Anfield with just two points dropped so far this season in the Premier League.

The Draw is next best at 21/5 with Unibet, and it is likely to be Everton’s real chance of taking anything away from the game, in truth. The optimistic punter may be willing to take the 15/2 with Ladbrokes and Coral on an Everton win, but the Toffees have won just one Premier League away game so far this season – a 2-1 win at Leicester City back in October – which highlights the tough task ahead.

From a betting angle, this game points firmly towards another win for Liverpool at short odds. The Reds are likely to have too much in their locker for Everton, as they look to keep pace at the summit of the Premier League.

Individual Goal Scorers

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

Liverpool has a plethora of attacking options, none more than Mohamed Salah, who has already hit seven Premier League goals this season. The Egyptian is a top price of 3/1 open the scoring, with Ladbrokes and William Hill backing the striker to continue his fine recent form.

Klopp is likely to stick with roughly the same side that left Paris empty-handed on Wednesday night, so the usual attacking suspects are the ones to focus on. Fellow strike-partners of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are both 5/1 pokes to score the first goal. Firmino can be taken with Coral, and Betway, while Mane is available with 10Bet and SportPesa at the current odds.

From an Everton perspective, the most likely candidate is Brazilian forward, Richarlison, who is a top-price of 11/1 with Betway to open the scoring. Richarlison has been in fine form this season following a big money summer move from Watford.

Icelandic international, Gylfi Sigurdsson could be primed for an assault on the Liverpool back-line at the reasonable odds of 16/1 with 10Bet and SportPesa and he is a danger from long distance.

Others to consider at bigger odds Liverpool’s star defender, Virgil van Dijk, who is a major threat at set pieces. He could be worth chancing at 25/1 with 188BET. Tricky Everton winger, Bernard is also worth a second glance – also at 25/1 with 188BET.

Other Side Bets

I have already pinned my colours to the Liverpool mast for this game, but I’m not prepared to weigh in at the prohibitive odds of 2/5, so I’ve come up with some other options.

Firstly, the 11/10 on offer with Ladbrokes and Coral for Liverpool to be leading at Half-Time and Full-Time is one bet that interests me. The Reds always look to begin games on the front foot – especially at home – and Everton may not be able to cope with the home side’s attacking barrage before the break.

Secondly, I’m obviously keen on Liverpool winning this game, but also, by keeping a clean sheet. The 13/9 on offer with 188BET is currently the best available. Liverpool, for all their attacking intent and goal scoring prowess this season, have proven to be very strong defensively – mainly because they’re always attacking! But keeping Everton out in a comfortable win looks to be a solid option.

Finally, I love to place wagers on Correct Score bets – and this game is no exception. My selection of choice is for a comfortable 2-0 victory for Liverpool. This bet is available at the best industry price of 7/1 with SportingBet and SportPesa.

Best Bets:

• Liverpool to be winning the game at Half-Time and Full-Time at 11/10 with Ladbrokes
• Liverpool to Win to Nil at 13/9 with 188BET
• Liverpool 2-0 Everton Correct Score bet at 7/1 with SportPesa.