Another Merseyside derby takes place this week – the 239th clash.

But this one will carry a little more meaning as former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez sits in the opposite dugout at Goodison Park for the first one since he joined Everton.

The Merseyside derby – one of the fiercest rivalries in world football – dates back to their first meeting in 1894.

Since then, the Reds and Blues have gone head-to-head 238 times.

Everton managed to get the last punch in this heavyweight bout in, as they triumphed in a shock 2-0 win at an empty Anfield last season.

The Reds are 3rd in the Premier League and right in the title race, 13 points above the Toffees now languishing in 14th place.

Everton come off the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Brentford, while Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory against Southampton.

Predictably, Liverpool look by far the stronger side, with impeccable European form and some big results in the league.

Main man Mo Salah is also looking incredible, having netted 11 times this season with eight assists.

Everton on the other hand have no real goal-scorer as of yet.

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is top scorer with three and is currently injured.

Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have three each as well.

So the Blues are forced to look to them for goals on Wednesday.

Everton will also be able to employ the services of Brazilian international Richarlison after he served his suspension.

This may give them more attacking impetus alongside Gray and Townsend.

Liverpool are without Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita who are both still injured.

This could mean either Takumi Minamino or Diogo Jota starting, both of whom have scored in recent games.

Everton have struggled to score this year having only netted 16 times compared to their rivals 39.

They have also conceded 19 to Liverpool’s 11.

This makes for what seems a very clear-cut result, but as we have seen in the past Merseyside derby’s are never decided on current form.

Kick off on Wednesday is 8.15pm, live on Amazon Prime.