Jagielka: Toffees can end Liverpool hoodoo

Everton skipper Phil Jagielka admits preparation for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby has not been ideal, but remains positive about his side’s chances at Anfield against Liverpool.

The Blues have lost two defenders with Ramiro Funes Mori likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury and Seamus Coleman out with a broken leg sustained while on international duty with Republic of Ireland.

But fellow defender Jagielka is not too concerned and says the derby day will take care of itself.

“It’s something to look forward to, it’s a massive week ahead and the excitement will build as it gets closer to Saturday lunchtime,” he said.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

“It’s been a bit strange with the international break coming along and making the build-up to the derby that bit longer than it normally is and then, unfortunately, the games haven’t been too kind to us in terms of losing players.”

The last time the two teams met in the Premier League, back in December, Liverpool were the victors and Everton have not won the derby since October 2010.

The Toffees’ skipper is optimistic though and believes a solid performance tomorrow lunchtime is crucial ahead of tough fixtures against Manchester United and Leicester in the coming weeks.

“It’s hard to look past the derby,” he said.

“We need to try to keep up the fight as long as possible and the only way we can do that is by having positive results against the teams in and around us.

“We’re in a pretty good run of form and, take away the injuries, the camp is positive and confident and we’ll need that going to a difficult place.”