Analysis:

Rafa Benitez has promised that Liverpool will finished in the top four for European Football and coming into this Merseyside Derby with Everton, the Reds are just a point behind Tottenham in fourth spot and can go into fourth spot with a win here and should Tottenham fail to beat Aston Villa, then will leapfrogged Spurs.

However, David Moyes Everton are in better form going into this match. Everton have lost just once in their last nine games but Liverpool have been beaten twice in the same number of games.

Liverpool however are hoping to keep their fourth clean sheet after managing to keep three previous shut outs for the first time this season after recent results against Tottenham, Wolves and Bolton.

Everton will not be disturbed by Liverpool's improved defence at the back as they themselves have managed to keep three clean sheets and won their last three games along the way.

But Liverpool will start as the favourites among the punters as they have not lost in their last six games with Everton and the visitors have not won at Anfield since September 1999.

With regards to the team news, with Glen Johnson (knee), Philipp Degen (calf) and Martin Kelly (ankle) all major doubts to make the squad, Benitez will have a problem at right back. That could see Jamie Carragher starting at full-back, with Stephen Darby on standby to start that role while Daniel Agger is in contention for a start at centre-half.

On left back there is also a problem as Brazilian Fabio Aurelio struggling with a knee problem despite being back in training. 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. Lucas Leiva expected to start 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 out of the side.

For Everton, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu could eturn after coming back from the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria. Phil Jagielka is still out with a knee injury that requires surgery. Midfielder Mikel Arteta is still sidelined with a groin injury.

Other than that Moyes has a full squad to choose from and could stick with the same side which came through with a 1-0 away win at Wigan last weekend.

Landon Donovan who is eplaying well could keep Yakubu to the bench as he pairs up alongsie Louis Saha.

Take Liverpool and give the 1/2 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Liverpool 2-1

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Liverpool 58% - Draw 25% - Everton 17%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Liverpool to win this match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Liverpool and give th 1/2 ball here.