How Everton could line up against Liverpool

Everton will look to claim a first victory over Liverpool in 16 attempts this weekend when their Merseyside rivals travel to Goodison Park.

Not since October 2010 have the Toffees come out on top in this fixture, while going further back it is just one win in 22 in the Premier League.

This could well be a good time to play Liverpool, however, as Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to select a weakened XI ahead of the second leg of his side's Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City, even if the hard work has already been done.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Sam Allardyce could set up his side for Saturday lunchtime's showdown.

Out: James McCarthy (leg), Maarten Stekelenburg (groin), Gylfi Sigurdsson (knee), Mason Holgate (ankle), Eliaquim Mangala (knee) Doubtful: Idrissa Gueye (thigh), Tom Davies (neck)

The big call for Allardyce to make in defence is at centre-back, where Ashley Williams may return alongside Michael Keane following the conclusion of his suspension.

Everton will be left sweating on the fitness of Gueye until the day of the game itself, meanwhile, but Allardyce will give his key defensive midfielder every chance of playing.

Davies is on the brink of full fitness after suffering a neck injury, but it could be Morgan Schneiderlin who gets the nod in this one alongside Gueye if the Senegalese is declared fit.

Cenk Tosun is expected to continue leading the line after scoring four goals in his last four outings, while nobody has played a direct part in more goals for the Toffees this term than Wayne Rooney, who should be retained in midfield.