THE Premier League is back with a bang as the weekend action kicks off with a mouthwatering Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.
Things were looking grim for the Toffees after taking just a point from their first five Premier League games but Sean Dyche's side headed into the international break with their tails up after clamining wins over Brentford and Bournemouth.
That 3-1 win over the Cherries, which saw two bets land for our man Gabriel, lifted Everton three points clear of the drop zone and fans will be hoping their heroes can avoid another battle against relegation this term.
But the first game back after the break could hardly be more challenging as Dyche's squad head across the city to renew hostilities with a Liverpool side who look refreshed and ready to fight for the title.
After missing out on a top-four finish last term, Jurgen Klopp revamped his midfield and that has given fresh energy to a team that looked to be running on empty at times.
Liverpool have lost just once all season and even that 2-1 defeat at Tottenham was hugely controversial as the Reds had a goal wrongly ruled out and two players sent off before Joel Matip's last-gasp own goal gifted Spurs victory.
Klopp's side sit just three points off the top and one behind champions Manchester City so the Anfield boss will be determined to keep up their title push by dumping Everton in the derby.
How the bookies view it
Despite Everton's recent resurgence they are outsiders for an Anfield win at a best 15/2 with Bet365. Liverpool are tiny at 7/20 with BetUK while the draw pays 5/1 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
Everton's derby record has been atrocious in recent years, winning just one of the last 28 derbies. But that triumph did come at Anfield as goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson sealed a 2-0 win in 2021. When the Toffees came calling last season, it ended 2-0 to Klopp's side, with Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo on target.
Players to watch
Klopp has players returning from all corners of the globe and some of his South American players might have issues starting a lunchtime Saturday game after midweek World Cup qualifiers. But the second of Mo Salah's games with Egypt was on the Monday so he should be fine to start. The winger scored twice at Brighton in his last outing for Liverpool, with his penalty bringing up a bet for our man Mark, and he's evens at Paddy Power for another derby strike.
Jack Harrison announced himself at Goodison Park with a stunning lob in the win over Bournemouth. With Andy Robertson out for Liverpool, the winger could get some joy down the right. He's 6/1 with William Hill for another goal while McBookie price him at 19/4 for an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets all season so that's why BTTS pays just 4/6 at Unibet. But if you look at recent derbies, both teams have scored in just one of the last five matches so betting against it may pay off at 6/5 with 888Sport.
Dyche will look to hit on the break, especially with Liverpool playing such a high defensive line. That makes over 2.5 Everton offsides a decent option at 2/1 with SkyBet while BetVictor price over 4.5 match offsides at 11/10.
Cards are always a good option in a derby and over 62.5 booking points pays 7/4 for this one at McBookie. Backing individual players for cards could be more profitable and Everton veteran Ashley Young looks good at 2/1 with Bet365.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin should start up front for Everton and will be their biggest goal threat. Unibet price him at 49/50 just to have an effort on target and that looks worth a punt.
This English Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton will be played on Oct 21, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
