Sunday, January 16
Liverpool
v Everton
Anfield
Kick-off: 14.05 GMT
TV: Live, Sky Sports 1. Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day
TALE OF THE GAME:
It is entirely fitting that Kenny Dalglish's first home match in his second spell at Anfield should come against the team who heralded the end of his first reign, 20 years ago.
Liverpool's form is such, though, that the Scot faces a struggle to ensure a happy homecoming. They have lost both of their games since he replaced Roy Hodgson, and will be without both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher on Sunday lunch time.
Everton, too, will be lacking Tim Cahill, the midfielder who holds the Indian sign over the red side of Merseyside. Which team copes best will probably edge a tense affair.
TEAM NEWS:
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has virtually a full squad to choose from for his first return to the Anfield dugout in nearly 20 years against Everton on Sunday.
However, the 59-year-old, who only flew in from holiday in the Persian Gulf last Saturday to take over from Roy Hodgson, will be without Scousers Steven Gerrard (suspended) and Jamie Carragher (injured) for the 215th Merseyside derby.
Midfielder Joe Cole has recovered from an ankle problem to rejoin the squad while Fabio Aurelio is likely to start at left-back after sitting out the midweek defeat at Blackpool.
Dalglish's biggest decision revolves around young right-back Martin Kelly, who has shown good form in the last two games, but could come under pressure from Glen Johnson, who filled in on the left against the Seasiders.
Everton are again likely to be without defender Phil Jagielka for the Merseyside derby.
The England international has missed three of the last four games with a thigh strain and is still short of fitness.
Manager David Moyes otherwise has no injury concerns, although top goalscorer Tim Cahill is on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup.
Moyes expects Steven Pienaar to be available despite giving him permission to speak to another club while striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has joined Leicester on loan.
Prediction: 1-1
