Everton manager David Moyes is hoping for a victory over Liverpool to dedicate to the club's supporters in his first Merseyside derby at Anfield tomorrow. Moyes has made a considerable impact in his first few months in charge at Goodison Park after being prised away from Preston.
Everton go into the match at Anfield against Liverpool lying higher in the table than their near-neighbours, which is an unusual situation because normally at this time of year Everton are nearer the bottom than the top.
Moyes is determined they will remain in the ascendancy after victory over Blackburn ended a run of three straight defeats. He said: "I am privileged to be manager of Everton. It is great for me to be going to Anfield to face our biggest rivals.
"Thousands of Evertonians would give their right arm to be in my position. I am the lucky one. There is great excitement as this derby takes on a bit more importance because of the way the league table is at this moment. We go into the match in front of Liverpool in the table and the idea is to try and stay there. We want to win this match as much for the supporters as anyone else.
"The spirit is high both on and off the field. That's why we are competing and doing so well. The mood is spot on but it has been like this all season. We are showing we are a side that can compete."
Teenage striker Wayne Rooney, who scored against Blackburn, is tipped to start his first Merseyside derby, David Weir is set to be recalled to the starting line-up and looks likely to partner Alan Stubbs at the back.
Liverpool have no new injury with Dietmar Hamann still out with a shin injury but Emile Heskey has recovered from his recent ankle strain.
Filed by Johnny Proby
