Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Liverpool

Published on: 19/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Liverpool

December 19, 2016 20:00pm - Goodison Park

Referee: M. Dean

Premier League

Ninth-ranked Everton will go in search of a rare Merseyside derby victory when they welcome third-ranked Liverpool to Goodison Park on Monday night. The visitors themselves will be gunning for all three points as they look to keep their title challenge on track.

Two wins in last 11 matches for Everton

Following their 2-1 victory over Arsenal in midweek, Everton will be hoping that they are coming into form at the right time ahead of the latest derby game against city rivals Liverpool.

The Toffees have failed to win any of the last 12 meetings between the two sides, a run that stretches back to 2010 when Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta bagged the goals in a 2-0 win.

Boss Ronald Koeman will expect his team to start with the same intensity that they showed in the latter stages of the game against Arsenal. That performance brought an end to a five-game winless run and would have given the players some confidence going into this clash.

As ever, Romelu Lukaku will be a key player for the home side - however, he will once again have to operate without the service of injured wide-man Yannick Bolasie.

Despite a recent wobble, Liverpool are still on of the league`s most in-form teams and will be looking for another dominating display on Monday night. After their surprise defeat away to Bournemouth and a draw at home to West Ham United, the Reds got back to winning ways in impressive style with a 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.

Jurgen Klopp is set to name the same team that featured in midweek with Simon Mignolet retaining his place between the sticks. Although, Joel Matip could return if he passes a late fitness test.

Team news

The home side will be without the suspended Phil Jagielka, while Yannick Bolasie (knee), Arouna Kone (knee), Muhamed Besic (knee) and Matthew Pennington (thigh).

Meanwhile, the visitors are still managing an extensive injury list featuring Marko Grujic (tendon), Philippe Coutinho (ankle), Adam Bogdan (ACL), Danny Ings (Meniscus), Joe Gomez (Achilles) and Sheyi Ojo (back), while Divock Origi, Joel Matip, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge could all return subject to fitness.

Recent form (League):

Everton: WLWLW

Liverpool: LWLLL

Betting odds and tips

Everton have scored in all of their home matches this season and have claimed 70% of their points at Goodison Park. They will need to be on top form to overcome a Liverpool side that is perhaps the strongest they have faced in years.

The Reds have the psychological edge in this match, having won the last 12 meetings between the two including the last 11 in the Premier League. In fact, Liverpool have lost just three Premier League matches against their rivals since the turn of the Millennium.

You can back the Away win and Both Teams to Score at 5/2 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 19/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (19/12/2016 09:34:51) but are subject to change.