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Pete Nordsted examines two of the featured games this weekend and he is siding with David Moyes' side, but believes Brendan Rodgers' men could struggle against Sunderland

This weekend both Liverpool and Everton are in front of the cameras facing teams from the North East and looking at how the season has started there could be soon be a shift of power on Merseyside.

Brendan Rodgers looks to take his struggling Liverpool side to the Stadium of Light, where they will be desperate to gain something from this match after only picking up one point from their opening three matches.

There was certainly an air of gloom surrounding Anfield during Liverpool’s recent home defeat to Arsenal and the Reds' lack of activity in the transfer market only added to the downbeat mood of supporters, with the atmosphere during this game distinctly flat.

Liverpool’s record away to teams of Sunderland’s grading reads a far from impressive won three, drawn none, lost seven and indeed, the Anfield club have only won three of their last 12 away games.

Sunderland on the other hand can look to the season with some optimism with Martin O’Neill bringing in Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson to strengthen a squad that already has a fairly solid home record.

The Black Cats also have a reasonable record at home to teams of the Reds' standing, which reads won three, drawn five and lost two. Indeed since O’Neill took over at Sunderland, his side have only lost two home matches in 12 and those were against Manchester United and Arsenal.

Sunderland can be backed at 23/10 (3.30) with bet365. However, I would certainly suggest keeping the draw onside and Sunderland can be backed +0.25 goals on the Asian Handicap at 19/20 (1.95) again with bet365. This means should the game end a draw then you receive half the odds.

On to Monday and David Moyes’ Everton have never been in better form, especially at Goodison Park, having won eight of their previous 10 home games.

In these games they have beaten both Manchester sides along with wins against Spurs, Chelsea and Monday’s visitors, Newcastle.

Despite losing their last game to West Brom, Everton have started the season in confident form and are 5/6 (1.83) with Bet365 to get the better of a Newcastle side who can often display a Jekyll and Hyde personality away from home.

This erratic away form is demonstrated in the goals market where Over 3.5 looks of interest and four or more goals have been seen in nine of Newcastle's last 16 away games and in five of their last 10 away to teams of Everton’s grading.

In the case of the Toffees, Over 3.5 goals has been seen in four of their last 10 home games to teams of the Magpies' stature. Over 3.5 goals can be backed at 12/5 (3.40) with bet365 and this looks a reasonable option.

For this match I am sticking with Everton to win at 5/6 (1.83) who have been very reliable at Goodison and I expect them to take the spoils.

Pete's

Weekend

Tips

Selection One

Selection Two

Sunderland +0.25 goals (Asian Handicap) at 19/20 (1.95) with Bet365

Everton to win at 5/6 (1.83) with Bet365

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You Can Follow Pete on Twitter @petenordsted