Liverpool v Everton preview: Divock Origi available for Merseyside derby

By Pete Hall

Thursday 21 April 2016 10:08, UK

Liverpool forward Divock Origi is fit to face Everton on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, despite picking up a back injury against Bournemouth.

Origi missed training on Monday as a precaution after the 2-1 victory on the south coast, but manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is available.

The 226th Merseyside derby was rescheduled due to Liverpool's Capital One Cup final commitments, but with both having little to play for in terms of European qualification, city pride is the overriding reward at stake.

Everton face a quick turnaround ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Saturday, and Roberto Martinez rested several first-team players in the 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Liverpool have a Europa League semi-final to act as distraction, but after back-to-back wins moved them up to eighth in the Premier League, Klopp will be hoping his side continue their momentum against the Reds' old foes.

Team news

Klopp has no new injury concerns, with Origi passed fit and a minor cramp issue for Kolo Toure. The hosts could be without Martin Skrtel, though, who is struggling with a groin problem.

For Everton, captain Phil Jagielka and defender Seamus Coleman will both miss the short trip.

The pair have hamstring injuries - Jagielka has been out since April 9 while Coleman injured himself at the weekend.

Tom Cleverley and Aaron Lennon will be assessed, while James McCarthy returns from suspension.

Opta stats

Liverpool v Everton is the fixture with the most red cards in Premier League history (20), but there have been none in the last eight meetings.

Christian Benteke has scored four goals in five Premier League games against Everton, while Romelu Lukaku has scored five goals in his last seven league appearances against Liverpool.

Liverpool are unbeaten in the last 10 Premier League Merseyside derbies (W3 D7), but six of the last seven have ended as a draw.

Liverpool haven't won back to back Premier League games at Anfield since May 2015. Roberto Firmino has been involved in 12 goals in his last 10 top-flight games (8 goals, 4 assists).

The Toffees have won just three points in their last six Premier League games (W0 D3 L3). Daniel Sturridge has scored in four of his last five league appearances.

Merson's prediction

Martinez will be hoping it snows and the game gets postponed. It's a nightmare fixture for Everton with an FA Cup semi-final just around the corner.

I have to back Liverpool here. It's a huge game on Merseyside but with the Wembley date in mind, I see Klopp's side winning easily.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet odds: 11/1)

Betting

Sky Bet make Liverpool 3/4 favourites to beat their Merseyside rivals (100/30) on Wednesday night. The sides shared the points when they met at Goodison earlier in the season and another draw is a 14/5 shot.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five and can be backed at 9/4 to win with both teams scoring, which has been the case in their last three games. Sturridge has netted in three of the last four in the league and is 7/2 to net the opener with Lukaku 13/8 to score anytime.

See all the latest odds, Price Boosts and pundit tips here.