Intense rivalries are part of what makes the Premier League such great entertainment. Not only do observers scan the fixture list for the games that could decide the title but also those which have the extra edge of being local derbies.

Though not a title decider, any clash between the Merseyside clubs is always a highly-anticipated match and despite the first match between the two still a couple of weeks away, Everton appear to have drawn first blood, especially in the betting markets.

A win against Manchester United set the tone for an impressive string of results for David Moyes’ men, and they’re available at 8/15 (1.53) to finish above Liverpool in the Premier League in their season-long match bet market.

Brendan Rodgers has overseen somewhat of a revolution at Liverpool, from bringing through talented youngsters such as Suso, Raheem Stirling and Andre Wisdom but also in the way the Reds approach the game, looking to replicate the slick attacking style that saw the 39-year old win so many plaudits in his time at Swansea.

Liverpool are 11/8 (2.63) to finish above Everton in the Premier League this season following a mixed start which has seen the Reds only collect six points from seven games.

That’s a price which could appeal to those that believe Rodgers’ philosophy will reap dividends in the medium and long term, or that Everton’s results are somewhat of a false dawn, especially with Liverpool having a tough fixture list to start their campaign.

The other match bet being offered is Arsenal, who are 4/11 (1.36) to finish above their north London rivals Tottenham, who are 2/1 (3.0) shots to claim the Premier League bragging rights over Arsene Wenger’s side.

That Tottenham are being offered at such a price may surprise some. Heading into the second International break Andre Villas-Boas has guided his side to fifth place with the Gunners two points and two places behind them.

The former Chelsea boss has answered his critics in recent weeks, a four game winning streak, including a victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, could convince some that there could be a power shift in terms of Premier League supremacy. That’s an outcome that’s 2/1 (3.0).

Both teams are involved in European action and Arsenal’s six point haul from their Champions League group will give those backing the 4/11 (1.36) some confidence. Summer signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have both settled well while Olivier Giroud looks to be getting up to speed.

The 4/11 (1.36) on offer for Arsenal to finish higher in the Premier League is unlikely to attract too much interest but Spurs certainly appear to be the value selection at 2/1 (3.0) given the performances of both sides in the opening weeks of the season.

These markets can be found in the Season Match Bet category of Bet365’s Antepost section.

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Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast

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