Danny Murphy has predicted a Liverpool win in next week's Merseyside derby against Everton - but he insists Carlo Ancelotti's men are closing the gap on their neighbours.
The former Reds midfielder believes Jurgen Klopp's men will be like a "wounded animal" after a 7-2 hiding at Aston Villa and can fix the mistakes they made when they take on Everton.
But he believes Ancelotti's side are improving - and pinpointed several Everton players who could challenge for places in Liverpool's team as evidence of the Toffees' progress.
Speaking in his column for the Daily Mail, he explained: "You can chart Everton’s progress by thinking about who you would pick in a joint Liverpool-Everton XI. A couple of years ago, I picked 10 Reds and Andre Gomes, but more of Ancelotti’s players would be in contention now.
"You would not leave Calvert-Lewin out of any team and at the back Yerry Mina would deserve his place based on this season’s performances. However, it is still true that Liverpool remain stronger overall which is why I fancy them on Saturday.
"James Rodriguez is a tremendous player but you would not have him ahead of Mo Salah. I’ve eulogised about Richarlison but he is not quite the same player as Mane. Lucas Digne gets good reviews as Everton’s left-back but you would still take Andy Robertson every day of the week."
Murphy believes the return of Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson could give Liverpool the edge at Goodison Park.
He added: "Are Liverpool capable of getting back to being more resolute and harder to play against? Of course they are. They have had the best defensive record in the Premier League for the past two years and that is achieved by good organisation, not luck.
"Mane is the trigger to press from the front, he sets the tone, and Liverpool will be stronger if he is back after self- isolation. Henderson is the leader they missed at Villa Park and he has been fit enough to join up with England this week."
- How many Everton players would get in Liverpool's team? Let us know in the comments below.
