Daniel Sturridge
Will Jurgen Klopp bench Daniel Sturridge, and start with Divock Origi in the Merseyside derby? Pictured: Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring the second goal for Liverpool at Vitality Stadium on April 17, 2106.Reuters

Twenty players have been sent off in the last 46 Merseyside derbies between Liverpool and Everton, which is a record for any fixture in the EPL. Such stat helps one understand the magnitude of the game between the two rivals.

So, when Liverpool host the team across Stanley Park for yet another derby at Anfield on Wednesday, neither will want to finish second-best, even if the match might not be of massive importance in the context of the Premier League standings.

Liverpool's objective before the season started was to finish in the top four, but they are nine points adrift of Arsenal and Manchester City. Everton lie eleventh in the EPL standings. Both teams might have underachieved this season, but they are looking for silverware elsewhere.

Liverpool could still quality for the Champions League, if they manage to win the Europa League. Liverpool play Villarreal in the semifinal on April 28. Everton, on the other hand, face Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinal on Saturday, and their manager Roberto Martinez might be in for a tricky decision, regarding team selection.

It remains to be seen if Martinez plays his full strength team at Anfield. However, Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, should be comfortable with the Everton clash, as he rested all his big guns in their last game against Bournemouth, which they won 2-1. 

Klopp, who is managing his first Merseyside derby, has witnessed the atmosphere Anfield creates when archrivals come to their home. Klopp has been a part of the Manchester United fixture, and while he is not sure if the Everton or the United game is bigger, his objective, irrespective of the opponent remains the same, to win.

"We played against Manchester United, I don't know if Everton is the bigger game or Manchester United is the bigger game, but we handled it really well," LFC's official website quoted Klopp as saying.

"That's what I expect from us for this game too, I want that everybody can see from the first second on that we want to win this game. There is only one reason that we meet tomorrow night and it's to win this game."

"I promise my not 100 per cent Merseyside derby experience will not be the reason for winning or losing. My job is to prepare the team. I know about the pressure in derbies."

Klopp has used Divock Origi in big games of late, and one will not be surprised if the Belgian gets the nod ahead of the Daniel Sturridge, who scored a goal against Bournemouth. Meanwhile, the central defensive pairing of Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho is set to feature against Everton.

Liverpool's big miss might be Emre Can, as the German midfielder has been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury. Joe Allen or Lucas Leiva might take his place in the starting eleven.

There is huge pressure on Klopp's opposite number, Martinez, as there have been banners flashed of late, asking for the Spaniard to be sacked. A victory against Liverpool might appease the fans.

But there are reasons for Everton fans to cheer as their team prepare for their trip to Anfield. Everton have been excellent on the road this season, losing just two of their 16 games.

Martinez is aware that the game will be open, and they need to be at their best to defeat Liverpool at home.

"Playing in the Merseyside derby is always vital for us. We know that we'll have to be at our very best. They are a team who are playing with a really good momentum and what has happened to them in the last few weeks has developed a really strong belief," Everton official website quoted Martinez as saying.

"The way they play, it's going to be a really open game and we always enjoy going to the hardest places in the league and showing what we can do."

As far as the Everton team goes, hamstring injuries will keep defenders Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka out of the crucial fixture, while Leighton Baines is also doutbtful for the derby.  

Where to watch live

Liverpool vs Everton EPL game liveis scheduled for 8 p.m. GMT (12:30 a.m. IST, 3 p.m. ET) start. Indian TV viewers can watch the mega clash on Star Sports 2/HD with live streaming option and Starsports.com.

Liverpool vs Everton EPL game will be shown in the UK on Sky Sport 1/HD, with live streaming option on  Sky Go.

Viewers in the US can watch Liverpool vs Everton EPL game on NBC,while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.

TSN is the place to be to watch the Liverpool vs Everton EPL game live in Canada, while TSN TV will provide the live stream option.

Bein Sports Arabia 2 and Bein Sports Arabia 11 will broadcast Liverpool vs Everton EPL game live in the Middle East and North Africa, while the action can also be live streamed on Bein Sports Connect.

Australia viewers can watch the Liverpool vs Everton EPL game live on Fox Sports, while the online live stream option is on Foxtel Play.

Football fans in the African countries can watch the Liverpool vs Everton EPL game live on Supersport 3 Africa.