Both Everton and Liverpool have had excellent starts to the season, with the Toffees in sixth place and their rivals second ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby. Though Liverpool head in as favourites, it's worth noting that Everton are still unbeaten at Goodison Park this campaign, and a win would move Roberto Martínez's side level on points with the Reds.
However, Everton haven't won a Merseyside derby in its last six editions. Both meetings between the sides last season ended all square, though Liverpool won the three prior fixtures against the Toffees. If recent history is anything to go by, this fixture is Liverpool's to lose.
Everton will be without midfielder Darron Gibson and striker Arouna Koné with knee injuries, while Liverpool's defensive duo of Sebastián Coates and José Enrique have both been ruled out with similar problems. Spanish attacker Iago Aspas is also out, albeit with a thigh injury.
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Darron Gibson (knee), Arouna Koné (knee). In doubt: None.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Sebastián Coates (knee), Iago Aspas (thigh), José Enrique (knee). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Everton: Tim Howard; Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Séamus Coleman; Gareth Barry, James McCarthy; Stephen Pienaar, Leon Osman, Kevin Mirallas; Romelu Lukaku.
Liverpool: Simon Mignolet; Aly Cissokho, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson; Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson; Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suárez.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
TV: NBC Sports Network, DirecTV, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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