Liverpool – Everton

The favourite to win another Merseyside derby

The Merseyside derby has been going on without a break since 1962, when Liverpool returned to the elite English division. Since 1894, the clubs have played 241 games against each other. At the moment, the Reds have the advantage in terms of number of wins. The upcoming meeting between Liverpool and Everton, despite the friendly nature of the Merseyside derby, is unlikely to take place in a particularly welcoming style. Both teams are in a position where everyone involved is not smiling. Liverpool are getting closer to losing even a theoretical chance of fighting for a place in the Champions League zone, while Everton are in the relegation zone. "The Toffees have not been in England's second division since the 1950s, so for Everton fans, the current situation is a disaster. Bookmakers have Jurgen Klopp's side as favourites to win, with odds of 1.51 offered. Liverpool resumed their Premier League season rather encouragingly in December. They beat currently mediocre Aston Villa and Leicester, but six points has brought the Reds somewhat closer to European positions. That was the end of the good news for Liverpool. In the last month and a half, Klopp's side have crashed out of the FA Cup and lost three Premier League games to Brighton and Wolverhampton by the same score of 0-3, while they were held to a 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Tensions around the head coach and the team as a whole could either peak or subside at the end of the derby. Therefore, Klopp must set his players up for Everton as a last ditch battle. "The Toffees have shown almost no brightening during the season with negative results, causing them to now find themselves three points away from the bottom of the standings. Everton have picked up just one point in six official meetings since the teams' return to club football at the end of December. That point was won by the Blues against Manchester City at the Etihad when they managed to score after the only shot on target in the entire match. Everton broke their losing streak a week ago by sensationally beating Arsenal at their home ground. It is highly doubtful that the Blues are now ready to take points away from the favourites for two consecutive rounds. We'll bet on Klopp's side to win.