English Premier League: Everton vs Liverpool Preview
The first Merseyside derby of the 2015-16 EPL campaign between Everton and Liverpool will be played at the Goodison Park on 4th October and we are taking a look at the game with our latest soccer betting tips.
History favours Liverpool in this encounter with Everton claiming just one victory over their neighbours in 17 top-flight meetings. The hosts have failed to gain a single point in the last nine matches.
This is one of those rare occasions where Everton start the Merseyside derby as a favourite. Roberto Martinez struggled last season as the Toffees stuttered to 11th in the table. However, this season saw them play free-flowing football that endeared him back to the fans. Their only loss this season was a 2-0 defeat by Manchester City.
Everton has shown that they can grind out victories from tough situations too as shown in their last encounter against West Brom. Martinez would love to see his burly striker Romelu Lukaku continue his goal scoring form. Their good performance has seen Everton move up to 5th in the table after seven matches.
Liverpool on the other hand started their season with the usual sights on Champions League. But Brendan Rodgers and his side failed to stay true to their claims. They picked up just 11 points from their seven games and stay in 9th position, although just a point behind their neighbours.
Rodgers is under pressure to show results as every missed point is being used vociferously by his critics. The midweek Europa League draw to minnows Sion must have felt like a loss. Injuries have also been a problem with striker Christian Benteke and Jordan Henderson out of action.
For the visitors, Philippe Coutinho continues to be the focal point but the upswing in the form of Danny Ings is music to the ears of Rodgers. With the international break waiting in the wings, a loss to Everton will only intensify the pressure on Rodgers.
Recent history shows that it is difficult to choose between these two sides. Everton look the better side coming into this game but the Reds are expected to get fired up for the derby. This could be a close encounter but expect Everton to edge past their neighbours. Back Everton to win at odds of $2.70 at Sportsbet.
