Preview: Liverpool vs Everton

A surprise win for Everton at Anfield today could see the Toffees leapfrog Liverpool into a Champions League qualification berth. The 178th Merseyside derby will be a cracker; with Liverpool desperate to protect their record of 12 seasons out of 13 in the top four in the league.

Squads

Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Arbeloa, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Lucas, Torres, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Pennant, Itandje.

Everton squad: Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Valente, Arteta, Osman, Carsley, Pienaar, Fernandes, Anichebe, Yakubu, Johnson, Wessels, Rodwell.

Injuries and Suspensions

Fernando Torres is fit to face Everton, Steve Finnan is close to a return while Yossi Benayoun and John Arne Riise are pushing for a place in the side.

Andy Johnson and Steven Pienaar look set to both be ready to miss out on the game.

Analysis

Everton have won only two of the last 16 Merseyside derbies against Liverpool. Liverpool had won seven games on the trot going into last Sunday's fixture. Everton are on form too; winning seven and drawing three of their 11 matches in 2008.