'SAS can win it...but we have to help them'

The Reds go into the mouth-watering clash in fourth place in the Barclays Premier League table, but the Blues are just two places and one point behind their neighbours.

Toure is well aware of the impact three points will have on the standings in the race for Champions League football, and insisted there'll be no room for defensive errors.

"I am not worried about the attacking side of things," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"With those two up front we can score goals any time. If we keep it tight they will do the job for us.

"It's up to us at the back and in midfield to defend strongly and ensure we don't concede goals.

"The margins are so small and little mistakes can make a big difference. It will come down to who is focused and who wants it the most."

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Liverpool have kept three clean sheets in their last five outings, most recently in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Toure is hoping for a repeat of the battling qualities that were on display at the Goldsands Stadium as the Reds look to shut out Romelu Lukaku and co when Everton make the short journey across Stanley Park.

"We showed against Bournemouth that we know how to defend well," said the Ivorian.

"We knew it would be a tough game against a team who play good football but we controlled the game really well.

"Our attitude was good, we were strong and didn't concede a goal. The clean sheet was very important as it gives everyone confidence.

"We dealt with everything they threw at us and now we need to rest well and make sure we are ready to go again.

"Lukaku is a good player, but it's not just him as Everton have other dangerous attacking players. We have to ensure we're focused and ready to stop them."

Given the compactness of the Barclays Premier League table, Toure is well aware of how crucial three points in the derby could prove come May.

And the defender believes a win could provide Liverpool will the perfect fillip as the campaign edges closer to a conclusion.

"We all know it's a massive game," Toure continued. "It will be really intense but we really need to win.

"For the fans it means a lot and it means a lot to us as players too. We will try our best and we will give everything we have got to get the right result.

"The top four is where we want to be. We're there now but we will only stay there if we win this game.

"Everton are doing very well and Tottenham are close behind us too. But we are playing well and everyone is really focused.

"Our target is to be up there and we want those three points. At home we have a very good record and we want to keep that going. Winning this game will be very important for the months to come."

Toure is still awaiting his first taste of Merseyside derby action following his transfer from Manchester City last summer.

The 32-year-old has plenty of experience of local rivalries, however, having represented Arsenal against Tottenham and Manchester City versus Manchester United.

"I haven't tried the Liverpool one but hopefully this will be my chance," said Toure.

"If I play then I'll be able to compare it with the other derbies I've played in and see which is the best.

"There is always a different feel to these kind of games but as players we need to just concentrate on our jobs.

"I didn't play at Goodison but it was a great game to watch. Both teams have great managers who want their teams to attack."

Meanwhile, Toure paid tribute to the performance of Victor Moses during Saturday's win at Bournemouth.

The Nigerian opened the scoring on the south coast with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

"Victor showed he's a good player," Toure said. "There's tough competition for places here but he's a young player who can improve a lot.

"I talk to him a lot and I think he's got fantastic talent. He can be a great player for us. I was very happy to see him play like that."