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Liverpool head across Merseyside this Sunday to take on local rivals Everton at Goodison Park, where they will be looking to complete the double over the Toffees and take another step closer to the Premier League title.

The Reds were one point clear at the top of the league ahead of Manchester City going into the weekend, knowing that even the smallest slip up could cost them dearly with the Citizens breathing down their necks.

In Everton’s case, they don’t have much to play for other than league position, having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Millwall in a shock 3-2 defeat.

However, they will be motivated for the visit of the Reds as a result of what happened in the reverse fixture at Anfield, when Jordan Pickford’s last-gasp howler handed the game to Jurgen Klopp’s side courtesy of Divock Origi.

Having said that, those ambitions may be stunted by the appointment of Martin Atkinson, who has not been a lucky charm for Marco Silva’s side this season.

Atkinson will be tasked with keeping the often-fiery derby under control, something that he seems likely to do given his tally of just one red card handed out this season, along with just 3.32 yellows per game – Atkinson likes to allow the game to flow, and tries to keep everyone on the pitch when he can.

The Toffees’ record in games that the 47-year-old has taken control of is quite poor. Everton have lost both games that have been overseen by Atkinson, whilst he has handed them five yellow cards and is yet to award them a penalty this season.

In contrast, Liverpool have been awarded a penalty by Atkinson, and have won one and drawn two of their three games overseen by him in the Premier League this term.

The home team has also won just 32% of the time when Atkinson has been in charge, showing that he doesn’t get overawed by the atmosphere. Recent history then, suggests it is unlikely that Silva and Everton will be thanking the ref for any favours come Sunday evening.