Everton confident facing Reds at Anfield

Jo thought he had scored at Goodison; Everton had their chances in Liverpool's 2-0 win (pics: Vegard Grott)

Everton head into the second Merseyside derby of the
campaign full of confidence and keen to extend an
unbeaten run in the league which now stretches to nine
games.

Rafa Benitez’s men were the last side to inflict a league
defeat on the Blues in late November 2009. Since then, a
run of four wins and five draws has seen them rise to a
season-high ninth place in the league. The Blues enter the match with a near-full squad to select from with only long-term absentee Phil Jagielka definitely ruled out. Michel Arteta and Victor Anichebe have made welcome returns to action in the past fortnight although both are unlikely to figure in Saturday’s match.

Joseph Yobo and Yakubu will also rejoin the squad after helping Nigeria secure third place at the African Cup of Nations but a place on the bench for both appears the likely option. The return to fitness of Phil Neville has undoubtedly been significant for David Moyes’ side.

Neville's experience, calming influence and leadership qualities had all been sorely missed in his absence. His record of two red cards in Merseyside derbies however is matched only by his opposing skipper, Steven Gerrard, and his ability to remain calm in the white-hot atmosphere will be critical if Everton are to triumph at Anfield for the first time under Moyes.

The battle for supremacy in midfield will undoubtedly be significant and Marouane Felliani must reproduce his excellent form in recent weeks if his side are to establish a stranglehold on the game. Having already performed with distinction against Liverpool before with Standard Liege, another top display would confirm his standing as one of the brightest midfield stars’ in Europe.

Liverpool will be without their talismanic striker, Fernando Torres, and Steven Gerrard still appears rusty after missing games recently through injury. Unbeaten in six games, it would be foolish to write them off, especially given manager Rafa Benitez’s ability to coax a match-winning performance out of his team when it is most needed.

Their apparent susceptibility to aerial attacks and set-plays could be significant however and, with the Tim Cahill needing just one more goal to become Everton’s post-war leading goalscorer in derby matches, expect this apparent weakness to be tested at every opportunity.

The last time Everton fans enjoyed success at Anfield was in September 1999, when a solitary Kevin Campbell strike separated the sides. Along with the Goodison match of last November, this is the biggest game of the season for Toffees’ fans and a victory against their rivals from across Stanley Park would provide further proof of their side's improvement, as well as securing the all-important bragging rights in this football-mad city.