Much has been made about Liverpool having to endure the early kick-off following an international break, but yet again the Reds have been scheduled to play at 12.30pm on Saturday, and this week they face neighbours Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Liverpool have played in the lunchtime fixture more than any other side and their record isn't great when faced with less preparation time than their rivals, but they should be strong enough to unwrap the Toffees regardless.
It could take time for both sides to get going but a lively derby encounter can be expected.
- Liverpool to win & under 3.5 goals
- Both teams to score
- Mohamed Salah to score
Another Lunchtime Tussle For Liverpool
Liverpool played Wolves in the Saturday lunchtime slot following the September international break and they looked leggy in the Molineux dust-up.
Jurgen Klopp's South American contingent had only arrived back in the country just hours before kick-off in the Midlands, and it showed as Wolves quickly got on top and took the lead through Hee-Chan Hwang after just seven minutes.
It was a first-half to forget for the Reds, but the second period was much more to their liking and they made it count with a Cody Gakpo equaliser on 55 minutes before two goals in the final five minutes won it for the Reds, who ended a run of six games without a win in the early fixture.
The Toffees look to be on the up after two wins from their last three matches, but a home loss to Luton suggests they aren't out of the woods just yet and a home victory is fancied here in a match featuring no more than three goals.
LIVERPOOL TO WIN AND UNDER 3.5 GOALS
Both Teams Expected To Score
Things have been looking up for Everton in recent outings after a miserable start to the season which saw them take just one point from their opening five Premier League fixtures.
However, a 3-1 win at Brentford lifted spirits and they quickly followed it up with a 3-0 home success against Bournemouth. The loss inbetween to Luton was a setback, but the Toffees have scored in each of their last four matches and they will look to put the Reds under pressure early on.
Set-pieces will be key and Liverpool have looked vulnerable in dead-ball situations and that could provide Everton's best path to goal. It may not be enough to help them take anything from the game, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see them get on the scoresheet, and the visitors to score the opening goal shouldn't be ruled out either.
Salah Looking Sharp
Mohamed Salah has bagged five goals in eight league matches this season and the Reds talisman is fancied to hit the mark once more at Anfield.
Liverpool have so many options in attack and that appears to have created a bit more space for the Egyptian, who has often been closely watched by opposition defences.
Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo (if fit) are all quality forwards capable of distracting defenders with timely runs, thus opening up space for Salah, who rarely needs more than one chance to score.
The 31-year-old is also deadly from the penalty spot and that is also a possible route to goal in the heat of an Anfield derby.
MOHAMED SALAH TO SCORE ANYTIME
