A Merseyside derby is never going to be short of passion but Liverpool could be forgiven for having one eye on the second leg of their Champions League quarter final against Manchester City on Tuesday.
The Reds are in a commanding position for that tie and are also 22/25 (1.88) to win at Goodison Park with 888Sport, who make Everton 16/5 (4.20) outsiders.
The hosts have won just one of the previous 22 league meetings against their local rivals but have won three of their previous four home games – albeit against lesser opposition.
GettyThe draw is available at 27/10 (3.70) and that could be of interest give four of the last five meetings in the league have finished all square, including the 1-1 stalemate earlier in the campaign.
History suggests goals should flow
Matches between these sides have been entertaining clashes in recent years. Both teams have scored in the previous three meetings and it’s 7/10 (1.70) for a repeat this time around.
Over 2.5 goals is priced at 5/6 (1.83), although Klopp’s side could be missing Mohamed Salah after he was substituted on Wednesday night at Anfield and his influence would be a huge miss for the visitors.
With doubts over Liverpool’s leading man, the search for a best bet could be better focused on the visitors.
Toffees could take their time to get going
While Liverpool are often fast out of the blocks, the Toffees have often done much of their best work in the final 45 minutes of matches in recent months.
Yannick Bolasie’s consolation goal against Manchester City means Everton have scored nine of their last 10 Premier League goals in the second half of matches.
GoalOverall, Sam Allardyce’s men have netted 65.8% of their league goals after half time. That’s the highest percentage of any top-flight side this season so this is definitely an angle to consider.
Given that Klopp may opt to rest some of his star players or substitute them in the second half with their next game in mind, it could pay to follow this trend of late Everton goals.
888Sport are 26/25 (2.04) that the home side score a goal in the second half and that looks to be a very solid option for punters ahead of this highly-charged derby clash.
Odds correct at the time of publish
Everton to score in the second half at 26/25 (2.04) for a 2pt stake with 888Sport