Intense rivalries are part of what makes the Premier League such great entertainment. Not only do observers scan the fixture list for the games that could decide the title but also those which have the extra edge of being local derbies.

Though not a title decider, any clash between the Merseyside clubs is always a highly-anticipated match and despite the first match between the two still a couple of weeks away, Everton appear to have drawn first blood, especially in the betting markets.

A win against Manchester United set the tone for an impressive string of results for David Moyes’ men, and they’re available at 8/15 (1.53) to finish above Liverpool in the Premier League in their season-long match bet market.

Brendan Rodgers has overseen somewhat of a revolution at Liverpool, from bringing through talented youngsters such as Suso, Raheem Stirling and Andre Wisdom but also in the way the Reds approach the game, looking to replicate the slick attacking style that saw the 39-year old win so many plaudits in his time at Swansea.

Liverpool are 11/8 (2.63) to finish above Everton in the Premier League this season following a mixed start which has seen the Reds only collect six points from seven games.

That’s a price which could appeal to those that believe Rodgers’ philosophy will reap dividends in the medium and long term, or that Everton’s results are somewhat of a false dawn, especially with Liverpool having a tough fixture list to start their campaign.

The other match bet being offered is Arsenal, who are 4/11 (1.36) to finish above their north London rivals Tottenham, who are 2/1 (3.0) shots to claim the Premier League bragging rights over Arsene Wenger’s side.

That Tottenham are being offered at such a price may surprise some. Heading into the second International break Andre Villas-Boas has guided his side to fifth place with the Gunners two points and two places behind them.

The former Chelsea boss has answered his critics in recent weeks, a four game winning streak, including a victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, could convince some that there could be a power shift in terms of Premier League supremacy. That’s an outcome that’s 2/1 (3.0).

Both teams are involved in European action and Arsenal’s six point haul from their Champions League group will give those backing the 4/11 (1.36) some confidence. Summer signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have both settled well while Olivier Giroud looks to be getting up to speed.

The 4/11 (1.36) on offer for Arsenal to finish higher in the Premier League is unlikely to attract too much interest but Spurs certainly appear to be the value selection at 2/1 (3.0) given the performances of both sides in the opening weeks of the season.

These markets can be found in the Season Match Bet category of Bet365’s Antepost section.

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Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast

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Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has slammed the behind-the-scenes television documentary that is currently being aired across the United Kingdom, insisting that legendary Reds manager Bill Shankly “would be turning in his grave”.

Being: Liverpool follows the club on their pre-season tour of North America in the lead-up to the 2012-13 Premier League season and has also been shown in the United States.

Lawrenson, a five-time league champion on Merseyside, dismissed the programme as “American schmalz” and believes that the club hierarchy should be focusing on improving results on the pitch.

“What on earth is Brendan Rodgers doing in this programme Being: Liverpool? I’m sorry, I just think this show comes across as American schmalz,” Lawrenson writes in his column for the Daily Mirror.

“It’s totally ill-advised and some of the stuff that I have seen so far in the first three episodes is cringeworthy.

“I think everybody shares that point of view. The problem is, once you get American owners intent on doing it and intent on getting everyone involved it’s extremely difficult.

“Well, at the moment the club isn’t doing particularly well. The soundbites are great but it’s plain for everyone to see that there is a lot wrong.”

The Match of the Day pundit claimed that famous former bosses such as Shankly, Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan would be shocked by the broadcasting of scenes such as one involving chief executive Ian Ayre.

“One other thing. The show I saw on Saturday ended up with Ian Ayre, the chief executive, jumping on his Harley Davison and riding through the city,” Lawrenson added.

“Come on!! Shankly would be turning in his grave. So would Paisley and Fagan and all of those Liverpool legends.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has called for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to receive retrospective punishment from the Football Association for diving.

The Uruguayan forward appeared to go down under minimal contact in an incident in the second half in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield, and made a theatrical attempt to try and win a penalty – something the Potters manager wants the FA to take action against.

“Retrospective decisions are made on a Monday and Luis Suarez should be punished,” Pulis told reporters. “The one in the penalty box was an embarrassment and how he wasn’t booked I don’t know.”

It is not the first time Pulis has complained of players diving this season, as he also castigated the Chelsea team for “laughable” simulation throughout their game at Stamford Bridge.

Suarez has been at the centre of diving controversy in recent weeks, with his manager and Liverpool team-mates insisting that his reputation for diving goes against him in many incidents.

“I haven’t seen the incident so I can’t really comment,” Rodgers said. “But whatever Luis does there will always be a problem.

“It gets brought up every week whether it’s with the media or the refs, but I thought he was terrific today.”