Anfield Expects As Liverpool Host Merseyside Derby

Liverpool`s penalties win over Championship side Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday won`t have done much for morale as Brendan Rodgers` side welcome Everton to Anfield for the latest instalment of the longest-running local derby in top-flight history. Tomorrow`s (27th September, 12:45) opponents, however, have suffered two defeats in three days and won`t be high on confidence themselves. The Toffees will also be aware of the fact that the game will be played on the 15th anniversary of their last victory at Anfield, Kevin Campbell slotting one home in a fraught contest back in 1999.

Marvin Emnes` awesome strike three minutes from time wrapped up a fine 3-0 win for Swansea City as they recorded their first ever victory over Everton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday. Nathan Dyer`s tap-in opened the scoring in the first half before Gylfi Sigurdsson doubled their lead on 64 minutes. Roberto Martinez`s men didn`t fare much better in their last league game against Crystal Palace. A Mile Jedinak penalty cancelled out the Blues` early one goal advantage as second half goals from Frazer Campbell and Yannick Bolasie meant that Leighton Baines` converted spot-kick was only good for reducing the goal difference, the tie ending 3-2 to the Eagles.

Middlesbrough came back twice to hold a second-string Liverpool side to a 2-2 draw after extra-time on Tuesday with the two teams only being separated by a marathon session of penalties. Albert Adomah`s wayward shot seeing the game finally end 14-13 after thirty spot-kicks. The Reds were looking for a more inspiring victory after back-to-back Premier League defeats bookended an unconvincing 2-1 Champions League win over minnows Ludogorets Razgrad. A ninth minute Gabby Agbonlahor strike was the difference as they fell to a disappointing loss at home to Aston Villa and their bogyman Paul Lambert who has never tasted defeat at Anfield as a Premier League boss, before two goals in the first ten minutes set the foundation for Sam Allardyce`s West Ham United as they ran out 3-1 winners at the Boleyn Ground. Liverpool sit in 11th place.

Everton have scored a goal in the first ten minutes in two of their last three Premier League games, whilst Liverpool have conceded a total of three in the first ten minutes in their last two top-flight ties. Could this add up to a high-scoring first half? betfair are offering a generous 23/10 on the first half seeing more goals that the second, whilst 888sport, william hill and unibet all have 16/5 on the Toffees leading at half time.

Liverpool, however, are the favourites to record their third win of the season tomorrow, a number of bookmakers making them 19/20 to turn over their closest rivals. An unlikely anniversary win for the blues has been priced at 10/3 by betfred, Boylesport, Coral and Totesport whilst a draw can be backed at 14/5 (Betvictor, Boylesport, ladbrokes).

The home side will be buoyed by the return of midfield maestro Jordan Henderson. The 24-year-old picked up a hip strain and missed his club`s League Cup clash, though manager Rodgers` told a press confidence that he was hopeful of his vice-captain`s recovery in time for tomorrow. Brazilian Phillippe Coutinho should also be back after missing the last two games with a groin problem. Should either not be fit, Liverpool may call upon their Evertonian Adam Lallana.

The Pools, however, will definitely be without Joe Allen, Emre Can, Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan whilst striker Daniel Sturridge may make the bench after picking up a knock on England duty.

Martinez currently waits on Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar who are currently undergoing fitness tests whilst Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson could play a part in successive games after their successful returns on Tuesday. Ross Barkley is still out.

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26/09/2014     © Frixo 2026