Sam Allardyce: 'Everton must be clinical'

Manager Sam Allardyce has suggested that Everton must handle the occasion of the Merseyside derby and be "clinical" in order to earn a result against Liverpool.

Everton have won their last three games in all competitions without conceding a goal, but Liverpool are unbeaten in nine matches and have scored 32 goals during that period.

Allardyce has acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team, but the former England boss has suggested that his players are capable of securing at least a point at the home of their local rivals.

The 63-year-old told reporters: "It is about us handling that pressure and atmosphere and handling a team that is probably in the best form it has been in since Jurgen arrived.

"[They have] one of the best strike forces available in the Premier League which we will have to master on Sunday. We need to not waste the possession we get and not let the occasion overawe us.

"When we get a chance we need to score. We need to be clinical in our scoring when they come along."

Everton have not claimed victory in a Merseyside derby since October 2010, a run stretching 14 games.