Matchday Preview: Everton v LIVERPOOL (Premier League)

Venue: Goodison Park

Date: 28/10/12

Kick-Off: 1:30pm

Brendan Rodgers surprised a number of Liverpool fans by fielding such a strong side in Thursday’s Europa League fixture, but with the gamble paying off thanks to the Reds’ 1-0 victory, expect most of the team who started the game against Anzhi to retain their places for Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

Pepe Reina is back in training after a hamstring injury and if declared fit will replace Brad Jones in goal.

Elsewhere, Raheem Sterling may start in place of Oussama Assaidi while Stewart Downing will hope to keep his place in the side after his superb goal on Thursday. Glen Johnson should be fit despite coming off at half-time against Anzhi.

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Marouane Fellaini and Tony Hibbert could return from injury for the Everton, but the Toffees are definitely without Steven Pienaar, who is suspended after being sent off against QPR. With Everton six points ahead of Liverpool in the league, the blue half of Merseyside are seen by many as favourites for the derby, but Liverpool are unbeaten in their last three league games and Everton have won just one of their last 11 league meetings with the Reds.

Everton may be in better form overall, but momentum seems to be with Liverpool and Rodgers will be determined to walk away from his first Merseyside derby victorious. One thing is for certain, it’s sure to be a fiery occasion.

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