Preview: Liverpool vs. Everton

Liverpool and Everton clash on Sunday in the Merseyside derby as Brendan Rodgers's side look to close the gap to the Toffees in sixth place.

The Reds have lost just once in their last nine games with their only defeat coming against Southampton in March, while they will be buoyed by their 6-0 victory over Newcastle United last week.

David Moyes's side, meanwhile, are in a similar good run of form, losing just once in their last eight games and they picked up a valuable win over Fulham last week to keep their bitter rivals at bay.

A win for the Blues would see them all but secure sixth place and help them put pressure on the top four, to keep their dreams of Champions League football alive.

Liverpool will be without Luis Suarez as he sits out the second game of his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Joe Allen and Martin Kelly are also out of the game due to shoulder and knee problems respectively. Fabio Borini made a goalscoring return against Newcastle and could push for a starting place.

Everton could name an unchanged team from the one that beat Fulham, although Ross Barkley may come into the team along with the fit-again Tony Hibbert.

Recent form

Liverpool: LWDDDW

Everton: WDWDLW

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sturridge, Downing.

Everton: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Mirallas, Osman, Barkley, Pienaar, Fellaini, Anichebe.

Sports Mole says: 2-2