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Win the Merseyside derby for Ronnie Moran, says Phil Thompson

Undated image of Liverpool coach Ronnie Moran (right) shouting orders from the bench during a match
Image: Phil Thompson hopes Liverpool will provide the perfect send off for Ronnie Moran (pictured) with victory in the Merseyside derby

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson provides his thoughts on Saturday’s Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports.

Fourth-placed Liverpool can boost their chances of securing Champions League football with victory over city rivals Everton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

The Toffees have an awful record at Anfield having last won there in September 1999.

In fact, the Blue side of Merseyside haven't tasted victory in a derby in 12 meetings, but can Ronald Koeman mastermind an upset? Thompson is sticking with his beloved Reds.

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"All the stats show it's 18 years since Everton won at Anfield in the Premier League but I don't like that, it worries me," Thompson told Sky Sports.

"The law of averages say that can't go on for ever and it has to change, I just hope it can continue.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman (left) and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shake hands before the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.
Image: Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool came out on top when the sides met in December

"This is an absolutely massive game and form counts for nothing here.

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"Everton are on a good run particularly at Goodison Park, but they've had their injuries. It was extremely sad to see Seamus Coleman's horrific injury in midweek, I'm devastated for him, and he'll be a massive miss for Everton and I wish him well in his recovery.

"But Liverpool will also miss Adam Lallana - both players so are vital to each team's style of play.

"Romelu Lukaku is the obvious threat to Liverpool - he's having a stunning season. Even though he's not committed his future to Everton yet he's still seems to have the support of the fans.

"Liverpool need to keep him quiet, but Everton aren't a one-man team, they have plenty of other match-winners as well - I just think Liverpool have more - Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane to name a few - so that's why I've gone for a Liverpool victory."

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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher visited Everton's Finch Farm training ground to meet striker Romelu Lukaku for a masterclass in finishing

Thompson was among the legion of Liverpool legends to pay their final respects to club icon Ronnie Moran at his funeral on Friday.

Moran, who died at the age of 83, won 44 trophies during his time at Anfield as both a player and a coach. Thompson thinks it would be the perfect tribute to the Liverpool icon if Jurgen Klopp's men can get the three points.

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Everton 0-1 Liverpool

He added: "Everton will be doing everything they can to stop Liverpool getting into their rhythm, but this is an even more important match for Liverpool following the death of the great Ronnie Moran - a true legend of the club. It would be extra special if Liverpool won this one for him.

"Jurgen Klopp's team may have the better form against sides at the top end of the table but it means nothing in these derby matches.

"This match is always the biggest game of the season as far as football fans on Merseyside go. The first thing we want to know when the fixtures come out is when the Merseyside derby is, forget the others."

Thommo predicts: Liverpool 3-1 Everton with Sadio Mane scoring first at 40/1 with Sky Bet

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