Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson is expecting a tight contest at Goodison Park when the Reds face Everton this evening.

Although it won’t have the usual raucous derby atmosphere, the BBC pundit feels it could still be a difficult game for the Reds with their opponents likely to sit deep and defend:

“I would not be surprised if Everton are cautious, play three at the back and sit in a little bit – they don’t want to get torn apart – so because of all that I can see it being a close game.”

“But the way Liverpool’s season has gone so far, I am still going to go with them to find a way of winning. We already know they are capable of doing that when they are not at their best.”

Lawrenson has gone for a 1-0 win for his former club, which is a pretty fair prediction considering the circumstances. Jurgen Klopp’s side have only played one friendly in three months and there is bound to be some rustiness.

Combined with the fact that the Reds will be playing again on Wednesday, the starting line up may have an unfamiliar look to it as the squad is rotated for the two games.

Considering Klopp put out a changed team in the 5-2 win against Everton at Anfield in December, that probably shouldn’t be a concern anyway, with the away side favourites to get the three points.