Sky Sports wrote:Liverpool host the 213th Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Everton to Anfield in the Premier League.
The encounter, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, is one of the most hotly anticipated in recent seasons with both sides finally conjuring up some form heading into the game.
David Moyes' men are arguably in better form, losing just once in their last nine games while Rafa Benitez's side have lost two in the same number of matches.
The Reds are bidding for their fourth straight clean sheet after stringing a trio of shut-outs together for the first time this season after recent results against Tottenham, Wolves and Bolton.
The Toffees, meanwhile, will be unfazed by Liverpool's new-found steadiness at the back having also failed to ship a goal in their last three league outings, winning each game in the process.
Liverpool, who are the bookies' favourites ahead of the clash, are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Everton, and the visitors have not won at Anfield since September 1999.
Liverpool team
Right-back is Benitez's problem position ahead of the derby, with Glen Johnson (knee), Philipp Degen (calf) and Martin Kelly (ankle) all major doubts to make the squad.
That could see the Spaniard once again opt for Jamie Carragher at full-back, with Stephen Darby on standby to deputise the role while Daniel Agger is in contention for a start at centre-half.
The Reds also have problems on the left with versatile Brazilian Fabio Aurelio struggling with a knee problem, shortening Benitez's options on that flank.
With Yossi Benayoun still missing through a broken rib, Albert Riera could be handed a fourth consecutive start on the wing, with Emiliano Insua also set to keep his place behind him.
Besides Benayoun and Aurelio, Benitez has a healthy midfield to choose from and his central options could prove his most intriguing decision, with Lucas Leiva expected to get the nod ahead of Alberto Aquilani.
Steven Gerrard suffered no repercussions of his hamstring problem after returning against Wolves and should operate a free role behind striker David Ngog, with Fernando Torres (knee) still missing.
Everton team
David Moyes could have Joseph Yobo and Yakubu back in his ranks after the pair's return from international duty with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations.
The game will, however, come too soon for utility man Phil Jagielka, who may not return until later this month through a knee injury.
Influential midfielder Mikel Arteta could feature but is unlikely to be handed a start as a groin strain disrupts his comeback from a lengthy absence this season.
Elsewhere in midfield, Moyes has a full squad to choose from and could stick with the same side which battled to a 1-0 away win at Wigan last weekend.
Yakubu could make the bench at Anfield, but the fine form of loan signing Landon Donovan alongside top scorer Louis Saha could keep him out of the starting line-up.
Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Riera, Gerrard, Ngog.
Everton: Howard, Baines, Neville, Heitinga, Senderos, Cahill, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Saha, Donovan.
PREDICTIONS:
skysports.com's prediction: 1-0
SKY BET odds: Liverpool 4/5, Draw 5/2, Everton 7/2
One to Watch: Tim Cahill
