Premier League: Liverpool v Everton match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Anfield

Liverpool's Danish defender Daniel Agger (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal (Getty Images)

The result of Sunday’s Merseyside derby will have a big impact on the outcome of which of the sides claims the higher Premier League finish.

Liverpool head into the match on the back of their 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle and a win for the Reds would see them move to within two points of their neighbours.

They certainly managed to put the suspension of top scorer Luis Suarez firmly behind them last week as they ran riot at St. James' Park thanks to goals from Daniel Agger, Fabio Borini and two from both Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson.

Everton know though that if they can claim their first victory at Anfield in 14 years then they would move eight points clear with just two games left and therefore confirm the Blues as Merseyside’s number one club for the second season running.

It would also guarantee them a place in the top six, meaning an improvement on last season’s seventh place, although until recently the Toffees were still dreaming of a top four finish. 

Having picked up a point at the Emirates, Everton then suffered only their sixth defeat of the season at Sunderland meaning realistically they are now in a battle for a Europa League spot.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Everton 2 (Osman, Naismith) Liverpool 2 (Baines og, Suarez), Premier League, October 2012

Liverpool 2 (Suarez, Carroll) Everton 1 (Jelavic), FA Cup, April 2012

Liverpool 3 (Gerrard 3) Everton 0, Premier League, March 2012

STATS…

Sunday’s match is the 218th time the teams have met, with Liverpool holding the most wins of 85 whilst there have been 66 draws and 66 Everton victories.

There have been 20 red cards in the 41 Premier League clashes between the two sides.

The last time Liverpool lost to Everton at home was during the 1999/2000 season where Kevin Campbell’s goal was the difference between the two sides in a match that also saw three red cards.

Everton have won only two of their 20 Premier League matches at Anfield.

ODDS…

Liverpool to win: 2.00

Everton to win: 4.20

Draw: 3.70

CLASSIC MATCH...

The 2001 derby at Goodison Park was a match that had everything. Great drama, five goals, a missed penalty, 12 bookings, Igor Biscan sent-off and was settled with a last minute winner. Gary McCallister’s 94th minute free-kick from over 40 yards out was the eventual difference between the sides.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm.