Omens not good for Hodgson's side as they seek to halt

In the 1953/54 season, in the old First Division, when the club took just nine points (in today's terms as back then teams earned two points for a win) from their first ten games. Liverpool have six points from seven games and go into Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton sat in the relegation zone in 18th place, below their city rivals on goal difference.

Neither side expected to be in this position, but the omens are not good for Liverpool. Of the bottom three at this stage last season - West Ham United, Hull City and Portsmouth - two were relegated while the Hammers finished 17th. If Roy Hodgson's team fail to take a point from their next three games - away at Everton, at home against Blackburn Rovers and away at Bolton Wanderers - then it will be their worst start to a season ever.

They were relegated in 1954, swapping places with Everton who were promoted from Division Two and have been in the top flight ever since.