Red or Blue? The century-old question will be answered once again at Anfield

Liverpool will face Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield in today's early kick-off game in the Premier League, aiming to continue their strong start to the season. However, they will be looking to recover after gaining only one point from their last two matches.

On the other hand, Everton has had an inconsistent start to the season and will be hoping to secure a rare win at Anfield, a feat they've achieved only once in the past 24 years.

Derbies are magic games, with passions running higher compared to ordinary matches. With the pride at stake, there will be no taking it easy at Anfield in the old clash between the Reds and the Blues. In the 242 games between these clubs, Liverpool won 98 times compared to 67 triumphs for the Blues. Today's hosts have been far more efficient too, as they've scored 341 against Everton's 267. However, it counts for little on occasions such as this.

Liverpool will be without Andy Robertson, who is sidelined with a serious shoulder injury requiring surgery. Cody Gakpo, who has only trained with the team once, will face a late fitness test. Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain sidelined with injuries, and Ben Doak is also out with a minor muscle concern. Curtis Jones is still serving his suspension after his red card against Tottenham. The South American players are dealing with the challenges of the early kick-off time following the international break. However, the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, mentioned that all players were collected privately by the club together, which should aid in their recovery in the tight turnaround.

Everton are in an OK situation regarding injuries, with Idrissa Gueye returning to the squad after a heel injury. However, Dele Alli, Seamus Coleman, and Andre Gomes are still sidelined for Sean Dyche's side.

In the context of the Merseyside Derby, recent form may not carry much weight, as Everton has not won at Anfield with fans since 1999. The Toffees have a poor scoring record in just 26 of their 62 league meetings with Liverpool, which is their worst record against any opponent in the Premier League era. Liverpool will aim to continue this trend, especially considering they have conceded some soft goals this season but often manage to come back with late firepower.

While Everton's recent form has been poor, they have won two of their last three league games, matching their victory tally from the previous 16 matches. This may suggest a turning point for the Blues. Dyche has experience winning at Anfield, having achieved it with Burnley, and he hopes to translate that into a more challenging test.

The Merseyside Derby is known for producing more red cards (22) than any other league fixture, and Klopp will hope this trend doesn't continue, as another card suspension is something he would want to avoid.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Saturday

14.30: (1.37) Liverpool (5.60) Everton (8.50)

17.00: (2.50) Bournemouth (3.45) Wolverhampton (2.95)

17.00: (1.90) Brentford (3.50) Burnley (4.20)

17.00: (1.45) Man.City (4.60) Brighton (6.75)

17.00: (1.50) Newcastle (4.30) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (1.70) Nott.Forest (3.60) Luton (5.40)

19.30: (3.10) Chelsea (3.50) Arsenal (2.40)

22.00: (7.50) Sheffield Utd (4.60) Man.Utd. (1.42)

Sunday

18.30: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.70) West Ham (4.10)

Monday

22.00: (1.55) Tottenham (4.20) Fulham (5.90)

***odds are subject to change***