Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Liverpool v Everton

Mark Lawrenson is tipping Liverpool to take another step towards a top-four finish in the Premier League by beating Everton 2-0 in Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash at Anfield.

The Reds head into the game looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City in their last outing before the international break.

Liverpool are currently in fourth place in the Premier League table as Jurgen Klopp looks to steer the Reds to Champions League qualification in his first full season in charge at Anfield.

Everton, meanwhile, have been in fine form in recent weeks and are currently seventh in the Premier League table after having won seven of their last 10 games.

However, former Liverpool defender Lawrenson is tipping the Reds to have too much for Ronald Koeman’s side at Anfield this weekend and is expecting to see the home side claim all three points.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said: “Mason Holgate can play there, and he will probably come in, but Seamus Coleman will be a big loss.

“Liverpool are also without one of their key players, Adam Lallana, although the injury he sustained on international duty for England is far less serious.

“I am not a fan of these early kick-offs, which don’t often seem to produce much excitement, but I do think this will be an open game.

“I don’t think Everton will go to Anfield and just try to to defend, which is the main reason I am backing Liverpool to win.

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“As everyone knows, when teams do sit in against Liverpool, it normally causes Jurgen Klopp’s side problems, but I don’t think Koeman is the type of manager who will try it.”

Klopp has been tasked with steering Liverpool back into the Champions League after the Reds finished eighth last season and without a trophy.