BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Anfield

Image source, PA

"The Everton fans have been singing about Steven Gerrard quite a lot today - something the Liverpool skipper noted with his goal celebration. It is the Reds supporters who are chanting his name now though. Very loudly."

Andy Wilson:, external Yeah, that Gerrard lad is finished isn't he?

Roseanne:, external Gerrard's done it again. Past it? You're having a laugh! Great goal.

Mark J Smith:, external Gerrard didn't slip up with that...

Tony Pulis
Former Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm not sure if Tim Howard got a bit of a touch on that, but it looks like Mario Balotelli was sure to score, he has to score there. Great work from Raheem Sterling again though. He has been the stand-out man for Liverpool today."

The Reds are rampant now - Raheem Sterling skinning Tony Hibbert down the left and putting the ball on a plate for Mario Balotelli who sidefoots against the bar.

Tony Pulis
Former Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"You don't like to criticise players but Tim Howard got a big hand on that and will be desperately disappointed he did not stop it. Steven Gerrard's free-kick was not hit with great power. I think Howard had read the situation but he did not get enough behind the ball."

Image source, Getty Images

It's inspiration they needed, and it's inspiration they got. In bucket-loads.

Who else but Steven Gerrard? The skipper steps up on the edge of the box and his curling, dipping effort beats a scrambling Tim Howard at his near post. Anfield erupts into a cacophony of songs about their captain.

Diego Costa returns to the Chelsea starting XI after missing the League Cup win against Bolton in midweek.

Liverpool are pushing Everton back, but a sea of blue shirts is keeping them at arm's length. The hosts lack imagination at the moment.

Summer signing Willy Caballero is named in the Manchester City goal for the trip to Hull City, with Joe Hart on the bench.

Does Tony Pulis have a direct line to Brendan Rodgers? Philippe Coutinho is on and Lazar Markovic is off. As predicted by Mystic Tone.

Tony Pulis
Former Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"Mario Balotelli always likes getting involved doesn't he? If I was Brendan Rodgers now I would be looking to make change. I have not been too impressed by Lazar Markovic, and they have Philippe Coutinho to come on. Everton are playing the game at the pace they want it to be played at. Liverpool just need someone to produce that bit of a spark in the final third. They need a touch of brilliance from one of the players."

Mario Balotelli will have little reason to set off fireworks in his bathroom this evening on present evidence, as another deflected shot proves nothing more than a minor irritation for Tim Howard.

Patrick McNair, 19, starts in defence for Manchester United, Luke Shaw comes in at left-back.

Raheem Sterling is desperately trying to force Everton onto the back foot, but his driving run down the left is stopped abruptly by John Stones's excellent tackle.

BBC Radio 5 live

"Two sets of ladders to reach our Liverpool v Everton commentary position. Tony Pulis wants some danger money... Not a chance Tony!"

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Jimmy in Liverpool: Henderson is vital to the Liverpool team - endless stamina, clever passing and strong tackling.

Barney from Olney: On a train from Washington to New York being updated by the BBC. A Liverpool win means a big NYC party tonight!

Dave in Grimsby: Adam Lallana looks (and plays) like a synth player in a second-rate indie band...

Perhaps, Dave, if Lallana fancies a career change he could become a professor of physics/television presenter...

Boots are beginning to fly and strong words exchanged between the two sets of players. Liverpool look the likeliest lads at the moment as Dejan Lovren towers above Mario Balotelli to steer a rather disappointing header goalwards.

Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic needs to start pumping iron. In the first half, he was easily brushed aside in his own area by Leighton Baines while, at the other end in the second half, he is again ushered away from the ball when he bursts into the area. Send him on a course with Razor Ruddock.

Mario Balotelli goes down rather tamely in the area, but it's a hopeful appeal from the Liverpool fans and their striker rises with little more than a grass stain to show for his tangle with Phil Jagielka.

BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Anfield

"Liverpool had 16 shots on goal in that first half compared to three from Everton, so they will probably feel they should be ahead - their fans definitely do.

"Everton's supporters, packed into a corner of the Anfield Road Stand, had rather less to shout about in the first 45 minutes but they are halfway to what would only be their second clean-sheet of the season. The sun has finally come out for the start of the second half... but will we see any goals?