Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the second of two big local derbies in the Premier League today as Everton host Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park. There was drama aplenty in the North London derby earlier as Tottenham came from behind to beat Arsenal, and hopefully we are in for yet more excitement as the focus switches up North for this huge clash. Let's start with a look at the home side...

Things have not gone smoothly at all for Everton so far this season, and they come into this match with their hopes of a another Champions League push surely already dead in the water. They pushed Arsenal hard for fourth spot last season and were expected to be in the argument alongside the Gunners, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United this time around, but that has not materialised and instead them find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Indeed, they come into this match with just seven points separating them from the relegation zone at the start of the weekend, meaning that they are closer to the bottom three than they are to Europe. It is hard to imagine them getting dragged down and embroiled in a relegation scrap with the players at their disposal, but even a mid-table finish this season would be a major disappointment. They are currently 12 points behind Liverpool, which is the biggest gap between these two teams at this stage of a season since 2008-09.

Defence has been their major area of concern this season, with goals not much of a problem compared to the teams around them in the table. No team has scored more than the Toffees outside the top eight of the table, but at the same time only four teams in the whole league have conceded more. That is a record that is simply not conducive with challenging for a European spot and Roberto Martinez can have no complaints at his side being so far down the table.

There have been signs of improvement and reason for optimism recently, however, with Everton having not lost inside 90 minutes since New Year's Day. They were knocked out of the FA Cup against West Ham on penalties, but, counting that match as a draw, come into this match without defeat in five. Four of those games have ended all square, but they include taking points off Manchester City in one of their more encouraging performances of the season.

Their last outing saw them pick up a long overdue win as Romelu Lukaku's early goal was enough to see them past Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, inflicting a first defeat on Alan Pardew as manager of the Eagles in the process. That was their first victory in nine matches in all competitions and ended a six-game winless streak in the Premier League that had begun to prompt murmurs of discontent around the Goodison Park faithful.

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Their home record still leaves a lot to be desire, however, with Everton yet to pick up a victory in front of their own fans in 2015. They have drawn their last three games at Goodison and are without a win in four, scoring just two goals in that time. They have also only won three of their last 12 home games in the Premier League alone, losing four and drawing five. A win in the derby would make the fans forget all about that, however.

Things are improving at the back, however, with Everton having kept consecutive clean sheets coming into this match. They are now looking to keep three clean sheets in a row for the first time since October-November 2013, but will be wary of a Liverpool strikeforce that is beginning to find their feet. It will be interesting to see how the hosts approach this one today.

Liverpool have also improved at the back in recent weeks, with Brendan Rodgers's latest change of formation working wonders to turn the Reds' season around. They have conceded just three goals in their last seven outings, all of which have come in cup competitions. They have kept four clean sheets in those seven games, including three in a row in the Premier League. Today they are bidding for a fourth Premier League clean sheet in a row, something they have not achieved in a single season since January-February 2011.

That newfound defensive solidity has been key to Liverpool's recent improvement and, after a shaky first half to the campaign, there is plenty still to salvage for Brendan Rodgers's side. They were knocked out of the League Cup in the semi-finals recently and, while they performed well over the two legs against Chelsea, it was another chance of picking up a piece of silverware that escaped Rodgers. That put more emphasis on the FA Cup, which may well be near the top four in terms of priorities now for Liverpool.

Their FA Cup dream so nearly fell by the wayside as well on Wednesday, however, as they trailed Bolton with just five minutes remaining at the Macron Stadium. However, Sterling and Coutinho provided the late comeback against the 10-man Trotters to set up a fifth-round meeting with Crystal Palace and, crucially, to keep their momentum going into what is a tough run of fixtures coming up for the Reds.

After today's derby, the Reds will face Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City in their next three Premier League games, with a two-legged Europa League tie and an FA Cup match sandwiched in between them all. It will be a very testing month for the Reds, but optimism is high around the club and, while they are on such a good run, the matches coming thick and fast will seem more like a bonus than a hindrance for them.

The Reds have now only lost one of their last 13 matches in all competitions and having been beaten inside 90 minutes since losing to Manchester United last year. That is their only loss in their last 19 outings in all competitions counting only normal time, with Chelsea's recent 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final coming courtesy of a goal in extra time. Liverpool are now unbeaten in seven league games and have won five of their last six.

The most recent of those league matches saw them overcome the tricky test of West Ham United at Anfield, a win that would have delighted Rodgers given how well the Hammers have done so far this season. Another huge positive from the result came with Sturridge making his long-awaiting return from injury and scoring within 15 minutes of his introduction to seal a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, adding to Sterling's earlier strike. Sturridge also came off the bench against Bolton, but is still not deemed fit enough to start today.

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This is Brendan Rodgers's 100th league game in charge of Liverpool, and his win percentage of 54% is currently only behind Rafael Benitez in the Premier League for the club. Their recent away form has contributed to that, with Liverpool having won six of their last seven matches on the road in all competitions, including their last three in a row in the Premier League without conceding.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides and, as I have already mentioned, the headline news is that Sturridge once again starts on the bench. There is a surprise inclusion for Jordon Ibe as he replaces the injured Lallana, while Lucas and Henderson return to the side having sat out midweek. Everton, meanwhile, have no Leighton Baines for the match, while Aaron Lennon is denied a full debut and starts on the bench. Full teams for both sides coming up...

EVERTON STARTING XI: Joel; Coleman, Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones; Besic, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Naismith; Lukaku

EVERTON SUBS: Griffiths, Gibson, Kone, Barkley, Lennon, Browning, Alcaraz

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Moreno; Ibe, Coutinho; Sterling

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Johnson, Lovren, Lambert, Sturridge, Allen, Markovic

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, from Everton's point of view they will be looking to Lukaku to provide their main goal threat this afternoon after the big striker scored the only goal of the game last time out. He has received plenty of criticism this season following his £28m summer move, and some of it has certainly been warranted due to a string of below-par performances. However, on his day he can be a real handful and, with four goals in his last five league games against Liverpool, he will fancy his chances today.

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He will be supported by Naismith and Mirallas, both of whom can provide extra goal threat for the hosts as they get forward from their attacking midfield position. Mirallas was actually on the scoresheet in the corresponding fixture last season, netting Everton's opening goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw that saw Sturridge rescue a point for Liverpool right at the death. Elsewhere in midfield, Barry and Besic continue together in the centre, while there is a return for McCarthy in place of McGeady. Lennon, meanwhile, could make his debut off the bench having joined on loan from Tottenham on deadline day.

At the back, the absence of Baines is obviously a blow, with the left-back having picked up a knock against Palace and failed a late fitness test this morning. He is the only surprise omission from the starting lineup, however, with Coleman, Stones and Jagielka all starting in an otherwise settled back four. Jagielka in particular will have fond memories of the reverse fixture having scored one of the goals of the season to silence Anfield and rescue a point for his side.

Simon Mignolet is the man charged with ensuring that something similar doesn't happen today, although he will be powerless to prevent it should Jagielka strike one that well again. The Liverpool keeper has come under more scrutiny than most this season and was dropped from the team until Brad Jones's injury gave him a route back into the starting XI. Since then, save for a couple of shaky moments in his first few games back, he has looked a lot more reliable and is enjoying some of his best form in a Liverpool shirt at the moment.

The man most eyes will be on today is Steven Gerrard, with the Liverpool skipper and scourge of Everton playing what will most likely be his last Merseyside derby before leaving the club. A Europa League meeting is still a possibility, but Gerrard will still be keen to make an impact on a fixture that he has already left an indelible mark on during his career. He is the highest scoring player in Premier League Merseyside derbies, and this will be his 33rd clash against the Toffees. He has also picked up two red cards in that time as well as a hat-trick, but only two of his goals have come here at Goodison. In his last six derbies in the Premier League, Gerrard has scored five goals and picked up two assists. Rodgers is right to say that Everton will be glad to see the back of him.

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Alongside him in midfield are Henderson and Lucas, although it remains to be seen just how Rodgers arranges them. Henderson is likely to fill the right wing-back berth, with Gerrard and Lucas in the middle and Moreno on the left. Lucas has been particularly important to Liverpool this season and his return to form has been an unsung part of Liverpool's recent revival. The Reds have won eight of the 12 Premier League games that the Brazilian has started (67%) compared to just three of 11 (27%) that he hasn't this season.

Speaking of Brazilian's, Coutinho has been in sparkling form recently for Liverpool and his understanding with Sterling is developing with each game. Sturridge's return is sure to only help Coutinho's progression, while he has another speed merchant in Ibe to feed balls through today. Coutinho has recently signed a new contract with the club and, if he can continue the sort of form he has shown in the last few weeks, then Everton will be in for a difficult match.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Goodison, which means that it is time for a prediction! The cliche is that form goes out of the window when it comes to derby matches, and Everton will certainly be hoping that is the case today. Liverpool have a fine record in these matches in recent years, however, and with Arsenal dropping points earlier today they will be desperate to make the most of that. I'm going for a 2-1 away victory.

You can find out what our Sports Mole sofa panel had to say about this match in our video preview below:

I mentioned Liverpool's impressive record in derbies there, and the Reds will take great belief from that going into this match. They have lost just one of the last 16 meetings with Everton in the Premier League, and none since October 2010. They have won eight of those 16 matches, with seven draws as well. A draw wouldn't do much for Liverpool in the race for a Champions League spot, though, so you'd think that they would be going for the victory today.

In terms of derbies at Goodison Park, Everton have not fared too much better. That win in 2010 is their only success in their last seven Premier League home games against Liverpool, during which time they have lost four times. With the gap between the two clubs not having been too big over that time, it is a really poor record for the Toffees.

KICKOFF: Everton get us underway at Goodison Park for this late kickoff on Saturday as they look for bragging rights over Liverpool in this 224th Merseyside derby.

Good start from Liverpool here as they look to get on the front foot nice and early. Everton have scored more Premier League goals in the opening five minutes of matches than any other team this season, and they have a chance to break again here, but Lukaku can't take the ball in his stride.

Ibe has seen plenty of the ball in these opening exchanges as Liverpool look to get him settled into the match early on. His pace combined with that of Sterling through the middle will be a real danger if the visitors can get them running behind the defence.

Sakho fins himself with two blue shirts bearing down on him and initially he does well to beat Mirallas only to lose it to Naismith in a dangerous position. His blushes are spared by an offside against Mirallas, but that was really good pressing from the hosts.

CHANCE! The best chance of the match so far falls to Liverpool as Coutinho threads a ball through for Sterling. Robles comes a long way out of goal but is comfortably beaten to the ball by Sterling, leaving the keeper in no-man's land. However, he stands tall and Sterling's eventual effort goes into the side-netting.

SAVE! Gerrard has his first chance to write the headlines as he lines up a free kick from 25 yards having scored at Anfield with a free kick as well. This is another good effort, but Robles gets across to tip it over the top.

Both teams are looking to press high up the field when not in possession of the ball, and it is a ploy that has worked a little better for Everton so far, with Sakho's earlier mistake and Can just losing control of the ball a moment ago.

Worrying signs for Liverpool as Lucas goes down with no opposition player around him, forcing Skrtel to boot the ball out of play. It doesn't look like he will be able to continue here, which is a big blow for the visitors.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The Reds are back up to their full complement having played the last couple of minutes with only 10 men due to Lucas's injury. Joe Allen comes on in the Brazilian's place.

CHANCE! Moreno makes a really positive run forward down the left before sliding a pass to Sterling, who advances into the box but is surrounded by blue shirts. He tries an ambitious effort and his shot deflects into the path of Ibe at the back post, but Robles is out quickly to thwart the youngster.

Liverpool have had 67% of the possession so far in this match and it is the visitors who have asked more of the questions going forward so far. Everton have looked dangerous when coming forward at times but are yet to really test Mignolet.

Decent football from the hosts as Naismith and Lukaku link up just outside the Liverpool box, providing a shooting chance for the former. He doesn't catch his effort anywhere near as well as he would like, but it almost breaks for Lukaku, only for Sakho to mop up the danger.

CHANCE! Everton have their clearest opening of the match as Can fails to cut out a cross from Coleman at the back post. It arrives to an unmarked Naismith, but he is caught in two minds and ultimately his header is very comfortable for Mignolet.

Naismith seems to have picked up an injury in that latest incident, although it isn't exactly clear how. It could be a neck problem, although there seemed to be very little in it. It looks like he will be able to continue, though.

Naismith is back up and running and appears to be fine as he presses and harries Can deep in the Liverpool half. Can does well initially, but Ibe then puts Sakho in trouble with a poor pass.

OFF THE POST! Almost a spectacular opener for Liverpool and young Jordon Ibe! He runs at his full-back before unleashing a ferocious strike from 25 yards that smacks against the far post with Robles a mere spectator. So unlucky for Ibe, that would have been some way to mark your first Merseyside derby!

Sakho is again dispossessed inside his own half and immediately Everton look to break forward in numbers. Mirallas's cross is cut out by Henderson and Liverpool eventually survive a sustained period of pressure. Everton are clearly looking to get right on top of Sakho whenever he has the ball.

This opening half an hour has been played at a really good tempo from both sides, and it has barely dipped at all. We're still yet to see a goal, but it has been an absorbing contest so far.

A good spell of possession for Liverpool, who work it from side to side as they look for a gap in the Everton defence. They are keen to get it to Ibe often, with the winger having come closest to a goal with a rasping strike that hit the woodwork.

Confident goalkeeping from Mignolet as he comes a long way off his line to claim a lofted ball forward right on the edge of his own box. He looks like a much more accomplished keeper with a bit of confidence behind him.

SAVE! Robles is called into action at the other end as Coutinho attempts to replicate his wonder goal against Bolton last time out. His curling effort is heading towards the top corner, but the Everton keeper is across to make a fairly comfortable save.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the Merseyside derby is shown to McCarthy for a scything challenge on Coutinho. No complaints with that one.

Mirallas has pressed high up the field really well so far today, catching Liverpool defenders in possession on more than one occasion. He looks to be full of energy in this match and has looked dangerous for the hosts.

It looks like Naismith hasn't fully recovered from that earlier injury and he may be forced off before half time here, with Barkley ready to come on. That hasn't stopped the Scot from putting himself about with as much gusto as ever, though.

Coutinho has two chances to put the ball into the middle, first from a corner and then when the initial poor delivery came back out to him. His second isn't much better, however, and Everton are easily able to clear the danger.

A big concern for Liverpool as Coutinho goes down under a heavy challenge from Besic, who got the ball. The Brazilian looks to be in some pain and perhaps twisted his knee on his way down there. That would a huge blow for the visitors.

There will be two minutes of added time here, while Coutinho trots back onto the field and should be fine to continue.

The referee brings an end to a goalless first half at Goodison Park as Everton and Liverpool go into the break all square in the Merseyside derby. It has been a fiercely-contested match so far, with Liverpool creating the better opening but Everton holding their own in terms of general play. This one is still very much in the balance.

The closest we have come to a goal came from surprise inclusion Jordon Ibe, who rattled the woodwork with a superb effort from range. The youngster let fly from a good 25 yards, with his powerful effort looking destined for the top corner until it smashed against the post. Robles was beaten in the Everton goal, but the hosts were saved by the upright.

Liverpool have had a number of openings, arguably the best of which again fell to Ibe. Not much appeared to be on when Sterling picked the ball up on the edge of the box surrounded by blue shirt. His shot deflected off a defender and went across the face of goal, where Ibe was waiting at the back post. However, Robles was quick off his line to thwart the youngster with a brave stop.

Sterling has also had a decent opening as he raced down the left channel following a through-ball from Coutinho which also drew Robles off his line. The Everton keeper was caught in no-man's land when Sterling easily beat him to the ball, but the Liverpool attacker couldn't squeeze his shot in at the near post. In fairness to Robles, he did well to stay big having made the mistake of coming off his line, ultimately making the chance a lot harder for Sterling.

Everton's only real clear opening of the first half fell to Naismith, but the Everton man was caught in two minds as the ball arrived to him at the back post. It was Mirallas who created the opening with a cross from the right flank which Can misjudged to give Naismith space. However, he could neither take it down or go for goal when perhaps still suffering from a blow he sustained earlier in the match. At one point he looked a certainty to come off, with Barkley ready to replace him, but he stayed on until the interval. It will be interesting to see whether he emerges for the second half.

Robles has certainly been the busier of the two keepers so far, though, and the Everton man was also called into action by long-range efforts from Coutinho and Gerrard in that first half. The hosts need to provide a little more attacking intent in the second half if they are to win this game, while Liverpool could also do with a bit more cutting edge when they get into decent attacking positions.

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway for the second half, and there have been no changes at the break, which means that Naismith remains on the field. There was one change in the first half, though, with Lucas departing due to injury. Who will claim local bragging rights in the coming 45 minutes?

A quiet start to this second half as both sides get themselves reacquainted with the game. Everton will have a chance to shoot here, though, as Allen gives away a free kick just about within shooting range.

SHOT! Mirallas steps up and goes for goal from 30 yards at least, and it is not a bad effort from the Belgian. However, it skims a yard or so past the post and his compatriot Mignolet looked to have it covered.

Barry gets away with one here as he gives the ball away to Coutinho in a dangerous position, with Liverpool immediately getting a four-on-two situation. However, the Brazilian can't find the right pass and the chance goes begging.

CHANCE! Another good opening for Liverpool, and again Coutinho is at the forefront. He brings the ball forward and slides a pass in for Sterling, whose drilled effort with the angle against him is straight at Robles. By no means an easy chance, but still a sight of goal for the visitors.

CHANCE! Again Coutinho slides a ball through to Sterling, who suddenly finds himself through on goal. The angle is even more acute than his last opening and he can only draw a save out of Robles at the near post. From the resulting corner Gerrard goes for an acrobatic scissor kick that is going on target before Naismith flicks it over his own crossbar.

This is a really good spell for Liverpool, who are starting to apply the pressure and keep Everton penned back into their own half. It could get even tougher for the hosts too as Sturridge is poised to enter the fray.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Indeed, there is the change as Sturridge comes on 10 minutes into the second half. Coutinho, who hasn't quite hit the heights of recent weeks today, is the man to make way.

Everton haven't really got going yet in this second half. Liverpool are seeing more of the ball, as they did in the first half, but are carrying a bit more of a threat now as well. The likes of Lukaku, Naismith and Mirallas, meanwhile, have been very quiet since the restart.

EVERTON SUB: Here is Aaron Lennon's debut for Everton and he gets a fine reception on his way onto the field to replace Mirallas for the final half an hour.

This game has entered a bit of a lull in the last few moments as Everton look to settle themselves back into the match and get themselves into the second half. They have been second best since the interval so far but are looking a little more assured now.

Again Sakho gets away with one as his pass puts Skrtel into a bit of trouble with Lukaku lurking dangerously. Skrtel just about deals with it in time to clear, though.

This match needs a goal, or at least a player to grab it by the scruff of its neck. Everton will be happier with how things are going now than they were in the first 10 minutes of the half, but neither side looks like making a breakthrough at the moment.

Sturridge hasn't been too involved since his introduction, largely due to Everton's improvement since then. The hosts have stopped what was relentless pressure from the visitors and are enjoying the lion's share of the ball right now. They aren't creating much, though.

Everton make a quick break forward and, as ever, Coleman is there with a marauding run down the right flank. He picks up the ball in plenty of space with Moreno nowhere to be seen, but his subsequent cross is poor and goes straight out for a goal kick. A real waste.

CHANCE! A decent sight of goal for the visitors as Ibe beats two men down the right before cutting the ball back into the middle. The cross deflects into the path of Moreno, who can't get his feet sorted in time to turn it goalwards, while Sturridge's shot moments later is blocked. The ball eventually arrives back out to Moreno following a barraging run from Can, but the full-back blazes his effort well over the top.

YELLOW CARD! Again Ibe attacks his man, skipping past Oviedo and drawing a foul from the Costa Rican, who is shown a yellow card for his troubles.

Robles plays a really early ball forward for Lukaku, who looks to be in down the left channel for one moment. However, Can comes across and does really well to mop up the danger before eventually winning a free kick off the Everton striker.

Liverpool have had 14 shots to Everton's four so far today, while the hosts are yet to have a single effort on target, while Liverpool have had five. The Toffees have done a decent job of stifling Liverpool since their bright start to the second half, though, and right now it is still up in the air as to which way this one will go.

Handbags between the two players, which stems from Besic holding Ibe down. Suddenly players from both sides are involved in scuffles around the field and it all gets a little messy for the first time tonight.

YELLOW CARDS! As a result of that, Anthony Taylor shows three yellow cards, with Henderson in the book for Liverpool and Naismith and Besic being cautioned for the hosts.

Yet again Sakho is caught in possession in a really dangerous area, but not for the first time tonight Skrtel comes to the rescue. Sakho has looked so shaky in possession today, and it is clear that Everton have targeted that.

LIVERPOOL SUB: One final change for Liverpool as Sterling is replaced by boyhood Liverpool fan Rickie Lambert. What a dream it would be for him if he were to make the difference in this match.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Liverpool as Sturridge feeds a pass in to Gerrard, who provides a cute little flick round the corner for Lambert. The striker tries to hit it on the turn but doesn't quite catch hold of it and it is easy for Robles in the end.

EVERTON SUBS: Well, it looked like this sub would happen a long time ago but eventually Ross Barkley does come on to replace Naismith. Besic also departs to be replaced by Antolin Alcaraz.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Everton as Barkley almost makes an immediate impact! He plays a beauty of a pass across to Coleman, who finds himself with only Mignolet to beat. His effort is a decent one, but the keeper makes a very good save.

SHOT! A shooting chance for Gerrard just outside the Everton box, but the Liverpool skipper never really looks set and curls his effort some way wide when he probably should have done better.

Barkley again provides a spark as he keeps hold of the ball before sliding a pass inside the full-back for Lennon. The winger just about keeps it in and cuts a cross back into the middle, but Mignolet is well placed to intercept it.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of this match, and it is Everton who are pushing for a late winner right now.

The Merseyside derby ends goalless as neither Everton or Liverpool can break the deadlock at Goodison Park. In the end it was something of an anti-climax as the second half rather petered out, but a point is not a terrible result for either side and keeps their respective unbeaten and clean sheet streaks going.

Jordon Ibe came closest to getting the only goal of the game with a thunderous effort from range in the first half, but his strike cannoned back off the post with the keeper beaten all ends up. Aside from that, there wasn't too mcyh goalmouth action at either end, with Everton's best chance coming late on when Coleman was denied by Mignolet.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's Merseyside derby as the points, and indeed the bragging rights, are shared between Everton and Liverpool for the second time this season. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!