Everton manager under the cosh ahead of Liverpool test

Everton make the short trip to Anfield on Wednesday aiming to derail Liverpool's relentless march to what could be their first ever Premier League title success.

The Red heads into the game with an eight point cushion over Leicester City, while reigning champions Manchester City are a further three points adrift.

Jurgen Klopp's side recorded a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, although it's fair to say their performance was unimpressive.

Everton are in danger of becoming the next fallen giants in football after winning just four of their 14 league matches this term.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the standings and a defeat at Anfield would probably see manager Marco Silva dismissed by the club.

Everton will be without Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes, Cuco Martina and Jean-Philipp Gbamin for the trip to Anfield, but Theo Walcott and Fabian Delph may return to the squad.

Alisson misses the game for Liverpool following his second-half red card against Brighton. Adrian will deputise in goal for the Brazilian, although his nervy display after coming off the bench against the Seagulls will give Everton hope that they can take something from the game.

Liverpool are awaiting further tests on Joel Matip's knee injury and he won't feature against the Toffees, while Nathaniel Clyne and Fabinho are also sidelined.

The home side have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, with their last defeat coming back in 2010. However, Everton bagged a goalless draw at Goodison Park earlier this year and they will be out to make things difficult again on Wednesday.

The Toffees were unfortunate not to take something from Sunday's game at Leicester, with Kelechi Iheanacho's stoppage-time winner the latest body blow to hit the club.

Silva's future remains uncertain, although he will have been pleased with the way his players battled at the King Power Stadium.

Everton pushed Leicester all the way on Sunday and a similar performance will be needed if they are to have any chance of securing a positive result at Anfield.

Their local rivals haven't found their best form over the last few weeks, although that hasn't stopped them opening up a big lead at the top of the Premier League.

They are big favourites to win on Wednesday, but Everton's desperate need for points clearly makes them dangerous opponents.

Under 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at odds of 11/8 and that looks worth an interest in what is expected to be a cagey encounter.

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