With the blue half of Merseyside still fighting for a European place, the Reds can dent their hopes as the two sides meet on Sunday at Anfield, with our tipster backing a 5/1 bet

With Everton trailing Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea for the European positions, a win at their neighbours Liverpool is vital if they want to force their way into Europe come the end of the season.

The Toffees currently sit on 59 points, five ahead of Liverpool with three games remaining. The Reds have a chance to reduce the gap to two points and keep hopes alive of finishing above their rivals to claim bragging rights for the season.

Liverpool head into this game after a hugely impressive 6-0 victory away at Newcastle last weekend. The Reds are without Luis Suarez for the rest of the season, but that didn’t seem to affect them in the north East.

A front line lead by Daniel Sturridge scored for fun and they will hope that form continues against Everton. Brendan Rodgers’ men are favourites at 10/11 (1.91) with Coral to take three points.

Everton have been fantastic at home this season, but have lacked the cutting edge away from Goodison Park. The Toffees are without an away win in their last six, losing three of those games. David Moyes men need to get on track in the league and they are outsiders with Coral at 3/1 (4.00) to grab three points. The same firm offers the draw at 12/5 (3.40).

When these two rivals met earlier in the season, a frantic first half saw Liverpool take a two-goal lead before Everton clawed a goal back and then levelled just before half-time, with the game ending 2-2.

Liverpool have a good record against Everton at Anfield, with three wins in their last four meetings and Rodgers men will be confident they can reduce the gap between the two sides. The price of 10/11 (1.91) is certainly worth backing.

For those looking for more value, the first goal scoring market offers a great price.

With Luis Suarez banned for the rest of the season, Sturridge has the chance to step up to the plate. The former Chelsea man has scored three goals in his last two matches and is 5/1 (6.00) with Coral to open the scoring. A bet worth investing in.

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