Sports betting: Liverpool can avenge Goodison Park defeat

LIVERPOOL, whose defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by the First Division side Middlesbrough in the Coca Cola Cup at the Riverside Stadium last week, can gain compensation by beating Everton in their Merseyside derby at Anfield tonight.

Everton won the Goodison Park Premiership encounter but Liverpool look poised for revenge. Anfield is not the fortress of old but Liverpool- available at 4-5 with the Tote - still have a 64 per cent strike rate at home this season and Everton, 16th in the Premiership and with a dismal 14 per cent strike rate away from home this term, look easier opposition than most.

On Wednesday, Manchester United, whose 2-0 win at Aston Villa last week took their away strike rate in the Premiership this term to 46 per cent, ought to beat Barnsley, whose win rate at home this term is only 33 per cent, in their FA Cup fifth round replay at the Oakwell ground, while Blackburn, who have a 61 per cent strike rate at Ewood Park this campaign, should beat FA Cup ante post selection West Ham, whose away strike rate is only 33 per cent.

Arsenal, who beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Highbury on Saturday, should repeat the dose at Selhurst Park. Arsenal have only won 27 per cent of their away games in the Premiership this term, but woeful Palace have failed to win any of their 12 home games and - beaten in their last five league matches on the bounce - are well worth opposing at present.

Finally, Wimbledon, who beat hapless Aston Villa 2-1 at home on Saturday, can put paid to Wolverhampton Wanders on their own turf.

Team C H L T

Liverpool 4-6 8-11 8-11 4-5

Draw 12-5 9-4 11-5 2-1

Everton 7-2 10-3 7-2 7-2

C - Coral, H - William Hill, L - Ladbrokes, T - Tote