Ahead of tomorrow's clash between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park, we decided to crunch the numbers and churn out some of the key facts that may give us an indication of how the game will turn out.
1) Honours even at Goodison Park
Form tends not to have much bearing on either team at Goodison Park, as evident in the side's last three meetings.
Each time Liverpool have ventured into the Blue side of the city in the past three season, they've only come away with a solitary point every time.
Their 2-2 draw in their 2012/13 season was followed by a classic 3-3 draw the following season.
Last year, despite both sides going close, it ended in stalemate. Everton enter the game as slight favourites after their heroics at the Hawthorns last week, but as was shown in the past, that label could mean very little come Sunday afternoon.
2) Lukaku can ignite damp squib
The Belgian has been impressive since rediscovering his form at Everton.
A promising season on loan, scoring 15 goals in 31 appearences, earned him a permanent deal with Roberto Martinez's side.
However, his debut season as a fully fledged Everton player was unimpressive by most people's estimations, the killer instinct and physicality that given him such a cult following seemingly went missing.
This season he's been a different proposition altogether.
Lukaku fires Everton ahead to complete a memorable comeback. Image Credit: Tim Goode / EMPICS Sport
Four goals in seven appearances for the club this season looks great on paper, but it's his physical presence up front which has inspired Everton so often this season.
Against West Brom, he caused trouble for Johnny Evans and Craig Dawson as well as dropping deep to disrupt Darren Fletcher's rhythm. Liverpool don't seem to have a player in their ranks at the minute who looks capable of disrupting the play quite like the Belgian.
3) Everton rearguard shows signs of tightening
Since their 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City in Auggust, Everton have gone unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.
During that run they kept Swansea and Tottenham goalless and were only undone by a cracking Nemanja Matic strike against Chelsea, a game in which Steven Naismith would go on to grab all the headlines.
According to Squawka statistics, Everton have averaged 3.57 saves per goal conceded. John Stones has flourished since he committed his future to the club and Tim Howard is enjoying a fine season.
Simon Mignolet has been subject of some criticism and Liverpool haven't managed to keep a clean sheet in seven games in all competitions.
Simon Mignolet concedes against FC Sion in the Europa League. Image credit:Martin Rickett / EMPICS Sport
If it is to be a tight game, it oculd be decided by one or two chances and in that case you'd have to trust the side with the superior defensive record.
4) Liverpool lack cutting edge
Despite signing attack minded players such as Christian Benteke, Roberto Firminho and Danny Ings, the Reds have managed just seven league goals this season, with a total of 106 shots so far.
Liverpool's shot accuracy (51%) is greater than Everton's (47%), but Brendan Rodger's side haven't look nearly as threatening as the days when Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge led the line.
Sturridge has since returned from injury and made an impact against a poor Aston Villa side, but you'd have to wonder if he'll start in a game as physical as this whilst still not 100% fit.
Danny Ings must look to shine up if he is to maintain a starting place in the squad, but the signs aren't exactly promising.
5) Barkley and co. offer a helping hand
Under Martinez this season, Everton look more more united going forward as well as at the back.
Their build-up play has been swifter and the pace in their attack has been some of the best in the league.
This can be attributed to the freedom afforded to Ross Barkley this season, the England youngster has three assists to his name so far, with Lukaku, Arouna Koné Gerard Deulofeu all on two.
Barkley could be key to unlocking Liverpool's defence. Image Credit: Mike Egerton / PA Archive/PA Images
Philippe Coutinho looks to be Liverpool's most potent threat, his opening day strike against Stoke a highlight, as well as two assists to his name.
If Everton can click tomorrow, it could spell on way traffic for the home side.
Kick-off on Sunday afternoon is at 1.30pm.
All statistics courtesy of Soccerway, Squawka and ESPN.
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