Liverpool enter the Merseyside derby in much better spirits than Everton, but that doesn’t have to mean anything as current form rarely plays a part in these kinds of games.

The difficult financial situation is starting to take its toll on the team’s fortunes as once again the Toffees were forced to offload several important players, with Arteta, Yobo, Beckford and Yakubu all leaving this summer.

David Moyes didn’t have a lot of time to bring new players in, but he managed to sign Royston Drenthe and Denis Starcqualursi on loan deals.

With no recognized strikers in the squad, it is no wonder that Everton have been largely struggling in the attacking department, although defenders and midfielders have chipped in a few goals to help the team put some points on the board.

Following the 2:0 defeat to Manchester City, the Toffees face a really tough task against improved Liverpool, especially having won just one of the last nine Merseyside derbies in the Premiership. Everton are 3.10 (21/10) with Victor Chandler to claim maximum points.

In the absence of Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill looks set to start as a lone striker, even though he is doubtful with a bruised shin.

Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Howard – Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines – Coleman, Fellaini, Neville, Rodwell, Osman – Cahill.

Boosted by the heavy summer spending, Liverpool have started the season brightly, hinting that they could be genuine title contenders this term.

Nevertheless, the away defeats to Stoke and Tottenham acted as a major setback, but the team showed a real character by beating Brighton and Wolves to return to the right track.

With all the new players arriving this summer and Steven Gerrard returning from injury, it is evident that Kenny Dalglish is still struggling to get the best out of this side, which is not that bad as the Reds clearly have a lot of room for improvement.

It is in these kinds of games that Liverpool need to show they are becoming a big team and the Reds are 2.50 (3/2) with Paddy Power to win at Goodison Park.

Steven Gerrard is likely to start on bench having just returned from the lengthy lay-off, but Glen Johnson is not yet ready to return.

Daniel Agger has resumed full training after sustaining a fractured rib in the 4:0 defeat to Tottenham, and he could make the bench.

Liverpool will be heavily relying on Luis Suarez in this match after the Uruguayan rediscovered his scoring form against Wolves, with the striker 2.50 (3/2) with Unibet to score at Goodison.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Reina – Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Jose Enrique – Kuyt, Lucas, Adam, Downing – Suarez, Carroll.