The local rivals go head to head this weekend with the Toffees at a three-point advantage over the Reds in the Premier League table following a strong start to the season.

While the blue half of Merseyside have started the campaign brightly, Liverpool have stuttered under new manager Brendan Rodgers and have only managed to claim one victory on home soil.

David Moyes's men are seen as favourites for the contest due to their current form but the Scottish boss has only claimed five wins over Liverpool in 24 derbies as Everton manager.

The Toffees will be without Steven Pienaar due to his red card offence during Everton's 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers last weekend, while Moyes is still sweating on the fitness of Marouane Fellaini.

Kevin Mirallas should feature to experience his first Merseyside battle, while Nikica Jelavic is expected to lead the line for the home side.

The visitors are having a slight injury crisis due to the long-term absences of striker Fabio Borini and full-back Martin Kelly. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is also a doubt but Glen Johnson should be passed fit, despite picking up a knock in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League last night.

Rodgers is likely to opt for a forward three of Suso, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling as he tries to win his first ever Merseyside derby.

Recent form:

Everton: DWWDD

Liverpool: DLWDW

Possible lineups:

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Naismith, Neville, Osman, Mirallas; Fellaini; Jelavic

Liverpool: Jones; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Suso, Suarez, Sterling

Sports Mole says: 1-0