Arouna Kone: 'Everton can finish above Liverpool this season'

Arouna Kone has suggested that Everton have what it takes to finish above Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

The Toffees last achieved that feat in in 2012-13 when finishing sixth - two points above their Merseyside rivals.

Everton find themselves in better shape heading into today's meeting between the two sides, and Kone believes that his team can now further pile on the misery.

"This might be the year that Everton finish above Liverpool again," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "The reason is nothing to do with Liverpool but I think we've made a good start, it's been solid, and I think through the difficult times of last season a lot of our younger players have benefited from that experience and gained in strength.

"On Monday we came from 2-0 down at West Brom to win and in past seasons we haven't shown that and been mentally strong enough. Our game management has improved now that we've gained some experience and for that reason I hope we can finish above Liverpool."

Everton have gone nine league games without a victory against Liverpool.