Everton boss Roberto Martinez: 'Merseyside derbies are special'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez expects Saturday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool to be a "phenomenal" game at Goodison Park.

The local rivals will go head to head for the 224th time with 14 points currently separating the two sides in the Premier League table.

Liverpool have the edge heading into this game as they have not lost a league fixture since December 14, while Everton had a four-game losing run in the top flight, but are unbeaten in their last three.

In the Anfield fixture in September, Phil Jagielka scored a stoppage-time goal to give Everton a 1-1 draw, and Martinez believes that there will be a similar level of drama at the weekend.

"The Merseyside derby is one of the most special games in world football," Martinez said in this morning's press conference. "The last one was a phenomenal football game with plenty of goals, both teams with an attacking mindset. I expect the same on Saturday.

"Liverpool and are on a good run and we feel similar in terms of the confidence the win at the weekend gave us, and the fact we are unbeaten in five."

Everton have 26 points from 23 games.