Jamie Carragher: 'Everton treat Merseyside derby like cup final'

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that Everton hinder themselves during Merseyside derbies because "they get wound up".

Everton host Liverpool on Monday night in what is the first clash between the two rivals this season and ahead of the match at Goodison Park, Carragher has put the Toffees' lack of success in recent games down to their approach to the fixture, suggesting that the players treat the encounter "like a cup final".

The 38-year-old told Sky Sports News: "For an Everton fan or player, it's like a cup final. People might think I am taking the mick out of them but it is. If an Everton player gets the winner in a derby, he's a hero. I think Everton get so wound up in those games, they let their heart rule their head.

"When I played, we were up for derby games and wanted to play with that bit of fire. You put your foot in but try to keep your head together. I think it's been a problem for Everton over the years. They get wound up to try to win it. They probably don't think enough and it's probably why there has been so many sending offs."

Everton head into the game 11 points adrift of Liverpool in the Premier League table.