Everton vs Liverpool - McCarthy hoping fans will roar Toffees on to derby success

Posted Monday, December 19, 2016 by PA

James McCarthy is banking on Everton's fans creating another memorable occasion at Goodison Park when Liverpool head across Stanley Park on Monday.

The 227th Merseyside derby is the last Premier League fixture before Christmas, with the Reds looking to keep their title challenge afloat and the Toffees revelling in the idea of knocking them off track.

The home fans need no encouragement to get themselves up for what is always a special date on their calendar, but McCarthy has reminded them just how much their passion is appreciated after the raucous reaction to a surprise win over Arsenal last week.

"The fans responded after a few tackles and Arsenal knew they were in a game," he said.

"It was a really great atmosphere and now we're looking to the derby. The fans will come out in their numbers, as always, and within the squad we know how massive the game is. We look forward to it.

"Under the floodlights at Goodison you can see the atmosphere and it's one you want, one we're all really excited about.

"It's definitely always a big game, it's your rivals and you want to get one over them. When Monday comes, we'll be ready."

Republic of Ireland midfielder McCarthy has struggled for regular game time this year, but has started the last two matches and is eager to take on Jurgen Klopp's men.

Manager Ronald Koeman now has a call to make, with Idrissa Gueye a virtual certainty to start and veteran Gareth Barry available after sitting out last time.

Sadio Mane says Chelsea's lead in the Premier League title race cannot distract Liverpool from Monday's game.

Trips to Goodison are always occasions in their own right for the red half of the city and victory in the storied fixture is a cause for celebration regardless of how either side is faring.

But Klopp's side are genuine title challengers this season and know they cannot afford to slip too far short of Chelsea's mark over the busy festive period.

Antonio Conte's side racked up their 11th win in a row at Crystal Palace on Saturday and three points against the Toffees would still leave Liverpool six points off the pace.

Mane is happy to focus on the opponents at hand, though, allowing the bigger picture to take care of itself.

"I think we have a bit of distance to Chelsea, but we all know what can happen in football," the Senegalese told Liverpoolfc.com.

"For us, the most important thing is not to think about where they are, it's to focus on ourselves and go game by game, and try to win the games, until the end of the season.

"I think in the Premier League everything is quite the same, it (Everton) is a tough game, but why not? I think with the quality we have we can beat every team in the league, so I don't know why we can't go there and win."

Liverpool started a run of five matches in 19 days with a handsome 3-0 win at Middlesbrough and meetings with Stoke, Manchester City and Sunderland follow hot on the heels of the derby.