THE MERSEYSIDE DERBY fixture is labelled as one of the biggest and most fierce rivalries in football, however research by SportNation.Bet reveals it to be the most friendly in the country in terms of red cards shown.
Just 3 players have been given their marching orders in the last 20 ties between the sides whilst in comparison, The Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers has seen over double that number of red cards (seven) in the same amount of games, with the Tyne-Wear Derby between Newcastle and Sunderland having six red cards in the same time frame.
Even the Manchester and North London Derbies have had more red cards in the last 20 games, with 4 and 5 respectively.
Advert
And the bookies agree that at full time in the clash both teams will be intact, with odds of 1/4 offered about Martin Atkinson's red card staying in his pocket, with just 16/1 quoted about him not needing to use his yellow either. Those who think he will buck the trend can take 25/1 about both teams getting a man sent off.
The reverse fixture saw wild celebrations from Liverpool boss Klopp at full time following Jordan Pickford's mistake and it's 50/1 another goal is conceded from a ball bouncing on the crossbar. Klopp is 16/1 to take to the field again post match in a game which looks pivotal for Liverpool's tile bid, which Everton are 5/2 to derail by winning or drawing en route to their rivals failing to win the league.
A SportNation.Bet spokesman said: "The Merseyside Derby is billed as one of the most intense in world football but the stats beg to differ with just one red in the last 16 matches making this more friendly than fierce. The odds are firmly in agreement that the trend for a clean game should continue at Goodison Park this afternoon."
Advert
He added: "Everton fans would surely love nothing more than to derail their rival's title bid and the betting suggests if the underdogs can improve their record in the tie they'll do exactly that. However if there's to be another dramatic victory for the Reds the pre-match odds for another celebration on the pitch for Klopp could end up looking very generous indeed."
Latest Betting:
Everton 26/5
Draw 3/1
Advert
Liverpool 10/17
Match Specials
No red card - 1/4
Red card - 16/5
Advert
Red card in first half - 12/1
Red card in second half - 4/1
Everton to have a red card - 6/1
Liverpool to have a red card - 6/1
Advert
Both teams to have a red card - 25/1
No red or yellow cards to be shown - 20/1
A goal scored from a rebound from the crossbar - 50/1
Jurgen Klopp to celebrate on the pitch - 16/1
All odds from SportNation.Bet
Featured Image Credit: