In recent seasons, the Merseyside derby has been billed as a team challenging for the Premier League title against opponents who are desperate to end their spell in mid-table. However, the contrasting trajectories of both clubs means that Liverpool and Everton head into the 289th Merseyside derby looking to strengthen their bid to claim a top-four spot come the end of the campaign. Ahead of their meeting with Manchester City on Wednesday night, Everton trailed Liverpool by three points with two matches in hand, but there is frustration in the Toffees camp on the back of their 2-0 defeat to Fulham last weekend. From the perspective of the home side, they will be relieved to still be in close proximity of the Champions League spots after losing four of their last six league games, the latest coming away at Leicester City. Jurgen Klopp's team have not always been rewarded for their possession in games, however, and Carlo Ancelotti knows that his Everton side are still massive underdogs ahead of the trip to Anfield.

According to bookies, Liverpool are priced in the region of 1/2, and it will leave only the most passionate supporter of the top-flight champions prepared to take a risk with those betting odds. Instead, both teams to score looks the most logical of bets if you are looking for something simplistic with odds around 4/5 for that to occur. Although Liverpool impressively kept a clean sheet in their Champions League meeting at RB Leipzig, they rode their luck on occasions, and Everton will be motivated to end their dismal league record at Anfield. On the other hand, the Toffees have 24 hours less to prepare for this game courtesy of their rearranged clash with Man City, and it a big ask of Ancelotti's team to face two elite clubs in less than 72 hours.

Although Liverpool's two goals against Leipzig were scored in the second half, Klopp's men set the tone with a quick start against the Bundesliga outfit. Aware that fatigue could be an issue for the Toffees, we expect similar from Liverpool in this match, and it would make sense to take a risk on the hosts leading at half time and full time at 6/5. Even with Everton potentially running on adrenaline, they may struggle to withstand the relentlessness of Liverpool's attacks, especially with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah seemingly back in top form in midweek. Liverpool and both teams to score is available at the less-risky 4/6, but there is value in backing the home side to control the match from start to finish.

Back in the reverse fixture in October, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remarkably avoided a red card for a season-ending lunge on Virgil van Dijk. Despite the England international escaping a dismissal, Richarlison was less fortunate during the closing stages of the contest, while there were also five yellow cards dished out. It leaves us inclined to consider a few speculative bets on players to get sent off, particularly Allan who is fit again for Everton after a two-month layoff. The tough-tackling Brazilian is available at 28/1, far bigger odds than he should be when taking into account that he will be short of sharpness and has already collected four yellow cards from 12 Premier League appearances. From Liverpool's perspective, Ozan Kabak will be looking to make a statement on just his third appearance for the club, but that may justify taking a punt on the young Turkey international being dismissed at 28/1.

With Mane and Roberto Firmino not producing the goods on a consistent basis this season, Liverpool have been indebted to the 17 goals which Salah has scored in the Premier League. Some of the Egyptian's strikes have come from the penalty spot, but punters should be taking notice that the attacker has scored in five of his last seven appearances in all competitions. While taking the 4/7 for Salah to score anytime makes sense, you should not dismiss the 12/5 which is available for two goals or more. As a result of Dominic Calvert-Lewin being a fitness doubt, we would discourage any goalscoring bets being placed on the frontman, leaving us to contemplate the 20/1 on offer for Richarlison and 40/1 for James Rodriguez. Few people will be writing off Everton from scoring goals in this encounter, and there is value in taking small punts on Ancelotti's chief creators getting a double.