Jordan: Confidence key to derby victory
Jordan Henderson is confident Liverpool can emerge victorious from the 224th Merseyside derby today – if they implement the kind of performance level that has seen them suffer just one defeat in their last 13 matches.
The Reds make the short journey across Stanley Park on Saturday afternoon aiming to build on a run of form that has elevated them to within just four points of fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.
Having represented Liverpool eight times already against the Blues, Henderson is well-versed in what to expect against the club's neighbours, but is optimistic about the chances of clinching three points at Goodison Park.
The vice-captain told Liverpoolfc.com: "I think Everton are a fantastic team and they've got some great players. Last season, I think they showed that - they were outstanding last year and really performing at a high level.
"This season they've obviously struggled at times, but they've still got quality, they're still a good team and they got a good result last weekend at Palace. They'll have picked up from that game and gained a little bit of confidence.
"We need to make sure we go there with the mentality that we've shown, with a lot of confidence and belief to go out there and keep doing what we've been doing. If we do that, I think we can get a good result.
"We've really gained the momentum in the last few months and the winning mentality with great performances.
"We need to keep doing that and go there with a belief that we can dominate from start to finish and get the result we want. If we keep doing what we've been doing, then I think we can achieve that."
Earlier in the season, Everton claimed a point at Anfield as Phil Jagielka's dramatic injury-time volley from 30 yards cancelled out Steven Gerrard's opener and ensured a 1-1 conclusion.
Henderson admits the Reds were frustrated not to have taken a maximum haul of points from that contest - but is determined to make sure they head into the away dressing room at full-time beaming with delight.
"It was hard to take, but I suppose it's part and parcel of football - you sometimes you don't get what you deserve," he reflected.
"We really worked hard in that game to win it, but unfortunately Jagielka came up with a world-beater goal and got the point for them. Hopefully we can go there and put that right."
As well as contesting clashes between Reds and Blues, Henderson also has experience of the Tyne-Wear derby when he went toe-to-toe with Newcastle in Sunderland's colours.
He admits they are occasions he relishes.
Henderson said: "I do enjoy them. Everybody wants to play in big games, and Liverpool - Everton is certainly a big game. Everyone is looking forward to it, and no-one more so than me.
"The two derbies are not far away, they're pretty similar. As I've said before, the fans up in the north-east and here are really passionate about football and very similar in that way.
"I didn't have too many happy memories when I was at Sunderland with derbies! Hopefully this weekend we can get a good result and it kicks us on in the league."