Unlike last season, when the Reds were right in the hunt for a maiden Premier League title and the Blues were knocking on the door of the top four, this time around the Scouse rivals are both looking to make up ground after a fairly dismal first half of the 2009-10 campaign.
Everton sit some way back in ninth place but their recent form is even more impressive than that of their neighbours, as they have not lost in the league since November.
It just so happens that Rafael Benitez's men were the last team to take all three points off the Toffees in top-flight play, with goals from Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano giving the 18-time English champions a 2-0 win at
The odds are stacked firmly against David Moyes' mob returning the favour this Saturday, as they have not won a league game at Anfield since 1999.
Jan 30:
Jan 26:
Jan 20:
Jan 16: Stoke City 1-1
Jan 13:
Everton
Jan 30:
Jan 27: Everton 2-0
Jan 23: Everton 1-2
Jan 16: Everton 2-0
Jan 9: Arsenal 2-2 Everton
Steven Gerrard is back in action for the Reds, but both Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun - who continues to be linked with a move to
Danish defender Daniel Agger has returned to training and could make the matchday squad, while full-backs Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio are still out of commission.
Last starting XI (vs. Bolton Wanderers): Reina, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Insua, Mascherano, Aquilani, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera, Ngog.
Everton
Nigerian pair Joseph Yobo and Yakubu are back from the African Cup of Nations, with both having a chance to make the starting XI - particularly the latter, after Louis Saha limped off at Wigan.
Jack Rodwell and long-term absentee Mikel Arteta are also pushing to prove their fitness.
Last starting XI (vs. Wigan Athletic): Howard, Neville, Senderos, Heitinga, Baines, Osman, Fellaini, Cahill, Pienaar, Donovan, Saha.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The skipper looked something like his usual self last weekend, mixing deft link-up play with barnstorming attacks despite the close attentions of Fabrice 'The Monster' Muamba. What better way to confirm a return to form and fitness than with a match-winning display against your oldest foes?
Everton - Tim Cahill
The little Aussie battler is another who has drawn some stinging criticism this season, but it's only taken a couple of trademark headers to hush up the naysayers. Undoubtedly one of the Premier League's very best goalscoring midfielders, Cahill will be aiming to make it three strikes in as many games this Saturday.
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