[Mighty T.A.L.]

Match preview

Everton and Liverpool lock horns in the 206th Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports 1, as the Premier League roars back into action after the international break.

Liverpool will be keen to get back to winning ways after an indifferent run of form, while Everton will be looking to go level on points with their neighbours with victory at Goodison Park.

Rafa Benitez's men failed to score against Everton last season and they will be looking to avenge last term's 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

The visitors are sweating over the fitness of star striker Fernando Torres as he battles to shake off a thigh injury to taste his first experience of a Merseyside derby.

Dirk Kuyt is expected to recover from a hamstring strain, which ruled out him out of international action for Holland, to take his place in the squad.

Benitez will assess all his returning international players before finalising his side for the trip across Stanley Park.

Daniel Agger is again expected to miss out with a foot injury, but Xabi Alonso is hoping to be fit after a similar injury.

Long-term injury victim Harry Kewell is back in training, but the game has come too soon for the Australian.

Everton could be boosted by the return of Kewell's international team-mate Tim Cahill.

Cahill has yet to feature this season because of a foot injury, but the midfielder is pushing for a spot in the squad after coming through training this week.

Andy Johnson is missing for the home side as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

James McFadden, Victor Anichebe and Yakubu Aiyegbeni are all battling it out to start in attack for David Moyes' side.

Thomas Gravesen is likely to miss out again as he looks to shake off a knee injury.

Source: Skysports