Rafa Benitez’ men, who are unbeaten so far this season, make the short trip across Stanley Park for the 179th Merseyside derby. The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Everton kicks-off on Saturday at 12:45 hours (BST).

Victory for Liverpool against Everton at Goodison Park could see the Reds top the Premier League table, albeit for only a few hours. Liverpool currently lie third, one point behind joint-leaders Arsenal and Chelsea (who both play their respective games after Liverpool).

Everton find themselves in mid-table and have yet to pick-up a point at home this season, having lost to both Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers. The Toffees however are unbeaten away from home with seven points from three games.

Saturday could see Fernando Torres step out onto the Goodison pitch for the first time. The Spaniard missed out on Liverpool’s late 2-1 win last season over their neighbours from Stanley Park, after the forward picked up an injury with the Spanish national team.

The return match at Anfield however saw Fernando Torres hit goal number 21 for the season. The forward gave the Reds the lead in 8th minute with a classy finish past American goalkeeper Tim Howard in the Everton goal.

The teams have met 178 times with Everton collecting 56 wins, to Liverpool’s 67; with 55 games ending in a draw. The Toffees hold a slightly more favourable record at home having defeated their neighbours on 33 occasions. Liverpool for their part have beaten Everton away 29 times, with the teams drawing on 27 occasions.

Everton are one of the top five most successful English clubs since being founded in 1878. They were founder members of the Football League in 1888 and have contested more seasons in the top flight than any other club. The Toffees have won nine league titles, five FA Cup’s and one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, though the Blues have not brought any silverware back to Goodison Park since their last FA Cup triumph in 1995.

The Merseysiders most successful period came during the 1980’s, when they won the FA Cup in 1983/84 season plus two league titles, 1984/85 and in 1986/87.

The Blue-half of Merseyside may rest players for the derby game as they face Standard Liege on Thursday in the Uefa Cup first round second leg tie. The Toffees only managed a 2-2 draw at home, and will need to put in a good performance if they want to make the group stages.

Liverpool will also be playing in European competition next week as the Reds face PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 2 of the Champions League on Wednesday evening.


Photo: J.A. Sirvent