Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen is predicting a narrow victory for the Reds when they face Everton in the Merseyside derby this evening.

While the Toffees won the last encounter between the two sides at Anfield, Owen believes Jurgen Klopp’s team are in much better shape now and he expects them to come out on top at Goodison Park:

“The Merseyside Derby returns with Liverpool aiming to get revenge after Everton’s triumph at Anfield earlier this year. That was in the middle of a bad period for the Reds, and now with Van Dijk back fit along with a return to top form from Trent Alexander-Arnold, this should be a lot tougher for the visitors [sic]. The Reds can’t stop scoring at the moment, and if Messrs. Salah and Mane are in the mood, I think they’ll notch up another victory.”

Owen has gone for a 2-1 win to Liverpool, which is a surprisingly conservative prediction, considering that many other pundits are anticipating the Reds to run away with the game.

Rafa Benitez has a number of injuries to contend with, with key players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina currently sidelined. It has coincided with a poor run of results over the last six weeks.

That has led many to conclude that Everton are there for the taking, but it is a derby where the formbook doesn’t really apply, so Owen’s expectation of a tight game is probably a fairer reflection of how the match will pan out.