Liverpool v Everton: Leon Osman says Toffees can take advantage of Merseyside rivals’ weaknesses

Liverpool have weaknesses which Everton can exploit this weekend, according to former Toffees star Leon Osman.

The Reds have been in impressive goalscoring form in recent months and warmed up for Sunday's Merseyside derby by hitting Spartak Moscow for seven.

Osman admits the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will be difficult to stop at Anfield but he feels Sam Allardyce's side can take advantage of a shaky Liverpool defence. 

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: "It is not going to be easy. You are going to have to defend deep, deny them spaces to run into. But Liverpool have shown weaknesses.

"They have showed that if you get at them, if you take opportunities, if you get set-pieces and put them on top of the 'keeper, they are likely to succumb to pressure."

Everton are on a run of three successive wins, having been rejuvenated following Sam Allardyce's appointment as manager.

"I'm more hopeful than I was six weeks ago", added Osman. "Big Sam is in, three wins, clean sheets, we're scoring goals. I'm optimistic.

"When a new manager comes in, it is a fresh slate. They should be going there [to Anfield] with a bit of confidence.

"Sam has started well. If he comes away with a win at Anfield, there will be songs about the man and statues!"