Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen says he is expecting a classic when his former side face Merseyside rivals Everton this weekend.

The BT Sport pundit believes there will be a reaction from the Reds after their shock 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa before the international break and he is expecting Jurgen Klopp’s side to come out on top at Goodison Park:

“This is the most anticipated Merseyside Derby in many a year. Who would’ve predicted out of the two sides that it would be Everton that go into the match with a 100% record? They have had some start, while Liverpool have had two weeks to lick their wounds after their 7-2 loss to Aston Villa. Will we see a reaction? I think so. This could be a classic, and I’m taking the Reds to edge it in a close-run match.”

Owen has gone for a 2-1 win to Liverpool, which is a fair prediction. There are, though, a lot of unknown factors heading into the game which could affect the result on the day.

A number of players on both teams will return from international duty late and will have limited preparation for the game ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Combined with the lack of a derby atmosphere, and the lack of confidence that some of Liverpool players will be experiencing, this game could go either way. As Klopp has mentioned himself, this will be a big test for both teams in terms of their mental fortitude.