Premier League: Everton v Liverpool match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Goodison Park

Everton defender Leighton Baines (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton play host to Liverpool in the 219th Merseyside derby which is shaping up to be one of the more important ones as the Toffees have enjoyed a bright start to the league season whilst their neighbours have had anything but.

The Blues have been beaten once in their opening eight fixtures and find themselves just three points behind champions Manchester City in the table.

Liverpool, meanwhile, occupy 12th with nine points in an uninspiring start under new manager Brendan Rodgers. They have fared better in Europe as they overcame moneybags Anzhi Makhachkala 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Liverpool 2 (Suarez, Carroll) Everton 1 (Jelavic), FA Cup Semi-Final, April 2012

Liverpool 3 (Gerrard 3) Everton 0, Premier League, March 2012

Everton 0 Liverpool 2 (Carroll, Suarez), Premier League, October 2011

STATS...

Everton have failed to score just twice in their last 21 matches

The Toffees are unbeaten in the Premier League at home since March

However, Liverpool have won five of their past seven matches at the stadium

CLASSIC MATCH...

During the 2004/05 season, Everton midfielder Lee Carsley became a Goodison legend as his goal against rivals Liverpool saw the Toffees secure a 1-0 win victory. The Blues went on to qualify for that year's Champions League - finishing a place above the Reds.

ODDS...

Everton to win: 2.55

Liverpool to win: 2.62

Draw: 3.20

TV: Live on Sky Sports at 1.30pm and highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm