Johnson missing for Merseyside derby

Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson will miss today’s Merseyside derby with a thigh injury.

England international Johnson, whose early season form has disappointed many supporters, has recently been linked with a move away from Anfield in January, with Juventus the latest said to be interested in the former Chelsea and Portsmouth man.

He will be replaced by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, with Jamie Carragher moving to right back.

On the other side of defence, Paul Konchesky is fit to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Also fit to return is forward Fernando Torres who missed the international break with Spain due to a groin strain he suffered in the opening minutes of the defeat to Blackpool two weeks ago.

In midfield, reports suggest Christian Poulsen’s poor form for both club and country will see him replaced by Raul Meireles alongside Lucas Leiva, with Maxi Rodriguez on the right in Dirk Kuyt’s absence.

For Everton, they will be without Marouane Fellaini and could be without Phil Jagielka, Steven Pienaar and Louis Saha.

The two clubs enter the match in 17th and 18th positions, both with just six points from their opening seven games.

Everton v Liverpool kicks off at 1:30pm.

Expected line-up: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky, Lucas, Meireles, Maxi, Cole, Gerrard, Torres.