'Anfield record will affect them'

Blues boss David Moyes has never masterminded a victory for his team at the Reds' home and has won just three of the 21 league clashes with Liverpool since taking charge at Goodison Park.

Downing expects that disappointing record to affect the mindset of the visitors this Sunday, when Brendan Rodgers' men attempt to close the gap on their rivals to two points.

"The fact that they haven't won at Anfield for so long has to play on their minds," the 28-year-old explained to the Liverpool Echo.

"I am sure David Moyes will get right amongst them. He must be desperate to beat Liverpool.

"But we don't want that record to end. We did really well against Everton in the three games last season.

"We have to be ready and make sure we start well. It will be a good test for us and it will be tight with battles all over the pitch, but we're confident we can get another win."

The England international is no stranger to local derbies, having already featured against Everton in his maiden season at Anfield and experienced crunch encounters with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.

He continued: "I'd played in Villa v Birmingham and Middlesbrough v Newcastle but those games don't come close to this one.

"This is much more intense. You get the fans always coming up to you in the days before saying 'make sure you beat the Blues'. The games with Everton are played at 100 miles an hour.

"Last season it was comfortable in the end at Goodison and then the home game with Stevie's hat-trick was a great game to play in. The atmosphere that night was unbelievable. We were up against it going into that game after some bad results but the lads responded really well.

"The one at Wembley was the really tough one. They pressed us and made it hard for us but the good thing about this club is that we always keep going and in the end we got through."

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Two players who have yet to taste the passion of these matches are January signings Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge - a pair praised highly by Downing.

"If Daniel keeps playing like that we'll all be happy. His pace and power are a nightmare for defenders to play against and he gives the rest of us more space to play," he said.

"I didn't know much about Coutinho before he signed, but all the lads have really taken to him.

"He has great ability and I'm sure David Moyes will highlight him. He will know Everton have to watch him because he's such a clever player. He can be quiet and then he can carve a team open with something instinctive.

"I think the atmosphere might surprise them. It will be the best of the season."

Often from a wide-right position, Downing has knocked home five goals during the current campaign and believes his battle with Leighton Baines could prove crucial.

"I'm getting in better positions, goalscoring positions. I've scored a few but I want more before the end of the season. The winner in the derby would be nice," said the winger.

"With me attacking and Baines looking to get forward for them that could be a key battle.

"In the last couple of seasons, Baines has gone up a few levels. In terms of England, Ashley Cole was untouchable for years but now Baines is on his back and it's a hard choice for Roy Hodgson. That shows what a good player he has become.

"David Moyes always seem to buy well - Kevin Mirallas was a great buy and getting Pienaar back was a plus. He drives the best out of every player and they seem to perform above expectations every year.

"Everton have done very well this season but I still think we are a better team and we can prove that on Sunday."