How Everton Will Line Up Against Liverpool

Everton host near-neighbours Liverpool on Saturday for Roberto Martinez's first Merseyside derby.

Despite finishing above the Reds for consecutive seasons, the Toffees' recent history in this fixture has been dire, at best, with just one Premier League win in 13 games.

David Moyes played Liverpool 22 times in the top flight, winning just three and losing 12, with a woeful 16 points taken from a possible 66.

Both sides have started this season in consistent fashion. Everton are sixth, with one defeat in 11 games, while Brendan Rodgers' squad lie second, three points better off.

Liverpool have won seven of the past 13 league clashes, although both of last season's games resulted in a draw.

Team News

Martinez gave his pre-match press conference a day earlier than usual, providing the comforting news that every international remains fit for selection, as highlighted on Everton's official website.

Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone are long-term absentees, while Tony Hibbert and Antolin Alcaraz are welcomed back into contention.

The fact that both have been unavailable for so long reduces their chances of being involved in the derby, but Martinez will appreciate the extra layer of depth. 

Selection

With that team news considered, here's a look at Martinez's potential starting XI:

 

Tim Howard has started the season well and will be looking for a seventh clean sheet in 12 Premier League games.

While his defence's resilience has fluctuated in consistency, all of Everton's back five will continue, having played every minute of the season so far.

Once again, the main decision surrounds the Toffees' sixth midfielder. One of Ross Barkley, Steven Pienaar, Kevin Mirallas, Gareth Barry, James McCarthy and Leon Osman will miss out, with Barkley being the most recent omission.

The fact that Everton's past two games have been 0-0 draws and Barkley has made an impact coming on in both suggests he's poised to return, making Osman the most likely to step aside.

Elsewhere, while there won't be further changes—injuries permitting—there's increasing pressure on Mirallas to find his best form.

The Belgium international's clearly a key player for the Toffees, with explosive, match-winning potential; however, he's currently spending far too much time on the fringes of play.

He will remain in the team on Saturday, but Gerard Deulofeu seems closer to selection every week.

Romelu Lukaku will continue up front, aiming for his sixth goal in Everton colours. A lot will depend on his scoring form, with Sylvain Distin being the only member of this XI with a Merseyside derby goal.

Key Players

The key battle will centre around Everton's statistically sound defence and Liverpool's potent attack.

Luis Suarez averages a goal every 67 minutes so far this season, the best ratio in the Premier League, while Everton haven't conceded for 330 minutes. Something has to give.

Suarez has the ability to win this game on his own and will be the biggest threat to the Toffees. He was behind both goals in last season's fixture and has troubled Distin more than any other Premier League striker.

That in itself makes Phil Jagielka key to Everton's hopes. The England man must play at a high level, blanketing Suarez and keeping his back four organised. If Jagielka comes out on top of their personal matchup, the Toffees will be well-placed to win.

Prediction: Everton 2-2 Liverpool

Statistics via WhoScored?

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