Match Preview: Liverpool v Everton

Jamie Carragher is set to play in his final Merseyside derby as Liverpool hope to close the gap on 6th placed Everton.

Suarez celebrates near the Everton dug out

With 3 games left of the season, the 220th Merseyside derby will take on special significance, with the blue half of Merseyside currently enjoying a 5 point lead over Liverpool.

Victory for Everton would ensure they finish the highest of the two Merseyside clubs this season and will help them stay in contention for a European place.

David Moyes will be hoping he finally gets his first win at Anfield as Everton manager - Everton's last league win over the reds at Anfield was 14 years ago.

Form

The formbook 'goes out of the window' they like to say, but Everton have shaded the form in the past 6 games.  The blues have won 3 of their last 6 league games - all at Goodison Park.  The reds have won twice in the last 6 (both away), although last week's 6-0 demolition away at Newcastle will give them plenty of confidence despite being without Luis Suarez and the 30 goals he has bagged this season.

Team

Luis Suarez is serving the second match of his ten-game suspension.  Fabio Borini made a succesful return from injury last weekend and is likely to be named on the bench again.

Jamie Carragher is almost certain to continue to be selected ahead of Martin Skrtel and could well lead the players out.

Betting

Liverpool are favourites for the win at evens.  Everton can be had at 3/1.

Daniel Sturridge is favourite for first scorer at 5/1.  Philippe Coutinho is a reasonable 8/1 - the same as Steven Gerrard.  Jamie Carragher is a 50/1 chance.

You can get 14/1 for a Liverpool 3-1 scoreline.

Paddy Power will refund all losing scorecast or goalscorer bets if Daniel Sturridge scores the last goal.  Click here to get up to £250 in free bets

Prediction

Liverpool have had a couple of draws at Anfield recently and, as the league table suggests Everton have been the better side this season.  Could this be the season that Moyes finally gets his Anfield victory?

No.

2-1 to Liverpool.

Fingers crossed.

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