You Bet | In-form Everton seek to end derby hoodoo against Liverpool as Premier League top four race heats up
Blues last recorded a win over the Reds in 2010, although the most common result since then has been a draw with seven stalemates and six wins for side from Anfield
The English Premier League weekend is bookended by two big matches that could have a major influence on the race for Champions League places behind Chelsea.
First up is Saturday’s Merseyside derby as Liverpool host Everton and the weekend ends with Arsenal at home to Manchester City.
With a full midweek programme to follow, when the big games at the top are Manchester United against Everton and Chelsea against Manchester City, this is set to be a pivotal period in the battle for Europe.
Seven into four won’t go when it comes to Champions League places and there are certainly seven teams in contention now that Everton have moved level on points with sixth-placed Arsenal, albeit having played two games more.
The Merseyside derby is always important, but there is added significance with Liverpool and Everton only six points apart having played the same number of matches.
Victory for Everton would halve the gap, and give them a serious shot at a top-four finish, while a Liverpool win would give them valuable breathing space over their neighbours and possibly Manchester United and Arsenal too.