Scales: Firepower key to derby
John Scales believes Liverpool's firepower could be the decisive factor in the 216th Merseyside derby.
The former Reds defender feels Kenny Dalglish now has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal and is confident his old club will prove too strong when they face Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Scales told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think this is a massive game for Liverpool. Obviously they had the two league defeats but they have bounced back and what better game to kick on in than a Merseyside derby?
"There's an international break after it and then they face Manchester United, so this is a very important match. It would be anyway because it is a derby, but if they win it then it really will set them up nicely for the months ahead.
"Liverpool now have competition for places up front which I think was one of the biggest areas they needed to improve.
"Last year they had Torres and then you were looking at Ngog and youngsters to come in and change a game. Now you've got Suarez, Kuyt has played more centrally, and you've got Bellamy and Carroll too.
"That's some real firepower. I think it will be an exciting season for the fans.
"Suarez is in phenomenal form. Liverpool have also got Steven Gerrard coming back too, so there are lots of positives going into the game.
"It's almost impossible to call a derby match and Everton will undoubtedly raise their game. If you put me on the spot though, I'd say Liverpool will just shade it 2-1."
During a two-year spell at Anfield, Scales played in four Merseyside derbies in total.
The former Wimbledon man regards it as one of the biggest local rivalries in world football and relished each occasion he went into battle for the red half of Merseyside.
"It's up there as one of the best," he said. "All derbies have an intense rivalry and I love them. The banter is great and the Merseyside derby is unique.
"Families and households are divided for the day and one comes out with the bragging rights. Most players enjoy the derby and I think the great humour that is involved with Liverpool v Everton is special.
"My best memory was going up against Duncan Ferguson. I always had a great battle with him. There was so much banter flying around on the pitch and I relished those challenges.
"Unfortunately we didn't win any of those games I played against Everton but I'm still proud to have been involved in such a famous derby."
Stay logged on to .tv next week for news about John's involvement in the Wembley 'Exhibition of Champions'.