Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is preparing for his first Merseyside derby since taking over at Liverpool midway through the current season Getty

Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield for Jurgen Klopp's first Merseyside derby on Wednesday (20 April).

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 1 and 1 HD. Live updates will be available BBC Radio 5 Live.

Overview

Liverpool come into this game in a buoyant mood following back-to-back victories in the Europa League and Premier League. This is the best form they have been in during the course of the campaign and they are still in the race to finish in the top five of the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that he will not rest any players up until the end of the season but is likely to rotate with an eye on the Europa League semi-final clash against Villarreal coming up next week.

Everton, on the other hand, are having a poor domestic campaign and are currently in 11th place and in danger of finishing the season with their lowest ever points total during their time in the top-flight. Roberto Martinez's future at the club has come into question a number of times with the supporters asking for a change. He can ease it considerably by taking the three points at Anfield on Wednesday and guiding the Toffees to the finals of the FA Cup when they face Manchester United in the semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday (22 April).

The Merseyside derby is always one of the most anticipated clashes of the season for both sets of fans and the neutrals but with more important matches on the horizon for both the clubs, it could be a slightly subdued affair with a few key players rested on both sides, especially for Everton, as the manager will not want to risk an injury to the likes of Romeluy Lukaku or Ross Barkley ahead of their Wembley clash.

What managers say

Jurgen Klopp: "Nobody will be rested for Newcastle or Villarreal. But we have to find a line-up which gives us the biggest possibility to win. That's the only thing. Hopefully we have nine games to play, minimum eight. It makes no sense to push 11 players through those eight games because you think they are the best we have. That makes no sense."

Roberto Martinez: "Playing in the Merseyside derby is always vital for us. We know that we'll have to be at our very best. They are a team who are playing with a really good momentum and what has happened to them in the last few weeks has developed a really strong belief. The way they play, it's going to be a really open game and we always enjoy going to the hardest places in the league and showing what we can do. The Merseyside derby stops any further thinking about other games."

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Liverpool to win: 8/13
  • Draw: 3
  • Everton to win: 4

Team news

Liverpool

  • Injured: Emre Can, Jordan Henderson
  • Doubtful: Kolo toure
  • Suspended: N/A

Possible XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Milner, Lucas, Lallana; Firmino, Origi, Coutinho.

Everton

  • Injured: Seamus Coleman
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Possible XI: Joel; Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Oviedo; Besic, McCarthy, Barkley; Deulofeu, Lukaku, Mirallas.

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