On the very same day that Arsenal and Manchester United lock horns in the Premier League, football fans will also witness one of the world's most heated derbies; the Merseyside derby, making way for an exciting day of English football.
Everton will welcome giants Liverpool to Goodison Park on Sunday on the back of Monday's impressive 3-2 comeback win against West Brom, though the Reds did also secure victory in their last match, as both sides will be keen on heading into the international break on a high.
The Toffees sit in 7th spot, Liverpool in 10th, yet only a point separates Merseyside's two biggests teams, meaning victory would do wonders in the top-four finish race, making a win on Sunday all the more important.
Current form: Everton vs Liverpool
Roberto Martinez’s crew are undefeated in their last four English Premier League outings, winning two, including the unforgettable 3-1 victory over Chelsea, and drawing 2, heading into the clash in good form.
Liverpool, on the other hand, grabbed their first win after a four-game winless streak when they edged out Aston Villa 3-2 at Anfield, with Daniel Sturridge scoring a brace and completing a whole 90 minutes for the first time since his return from injury.
The win did little to please the legions of supporters who wish to see northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers fired, yet it did relieve pressure off the former Swansea boss' shoulders.
Head-to-head
Everton have drawn 5 out of their last 6 encounters with Liverpool in all competition. The Reds are also undefeated in their last 9 meetings with the Toffees in all competitions. Should Martinez’s crew fail to win this weekend, it will be their worst run against Liverpool since 1984, when they went 11 games without a win.
In fact, Liverpool have not tasted defeat at Goodison Park in 5 years, with their last loss at Everton’s home ground coming back in October 2010. The seven games that followed ended in 3 draws and 4 wins for the Anfield side.
Spanish tactician Roberto Martinez will be keen on ending his Merseyside derby hoodoo, with the Everton boss yet to clinch victory over Liverpool since taking charge back in 2013.
Team news
Belgian striker Christian Benteke is a doubt for the clash and will face a late fitness test. Roberto Firmino, Dejan Lovren, and captain Jordan Henderson are all ruled out for Sunday's tie.
Benteke (left) is a doubt, Firmino (right) has been ruled out with injury
In the Everton camp, question marks remain over the availability of John Stones, who sat out last week's 3-2 win over West Brom, and Seamus Coleman, both of whom will face late fitness tests. Leighton Baines and the suspended Kevin Mirallas will not feature.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Merseyside derby has seen the most number of sending offs in any English Premier League clashes, with 20 red cards, 4 more than any other game.
Everton are Daniel Sturridge’s second most favorite side to score against, scoring 5 goals past Tim Howard, one less than his favorite victims, Newcastle (6).
Brendan Rodgers’ crew have registered only one win in their last 8 away games in the English Premier League games, losing 4 and drawing 3.
Everton vs Liverpool team sheets
Everton lineup: Howard, Galloway, Funes Mori, Jagielka (c), Browning, Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku
Everton bench: Robles, Gibson, Oviedo, Kone, Lennon, Osman, Holgate
Liverpool lineup: Mignolet, Skrtel, Sakho, Can, Clyne, Moreno, Lucas, Milner, Coutinho, Ings, Sturridge
Liverpook bench: Bogdan, Gomez, Rossiter, Allen, Ibe, Lallana, Origi
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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