We don’t fear Liverpool: Everton boss Silva fuels the fire for derby clash

Everton will not be cowed into changing their style of play when they face local rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby tonight, manager Marco Silva said.

Silva’s team have made an encouraging start to the season and going into the weekend were sixth in the league ahead of their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool who are unbeaten in 13 league games and occupy second place in the Premier League table.

Ahead of the match, Silva stressed the need for his team to stay true to their identity and show plenty of attacking intent.

“We will respect our opponents like we did against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea,” the Portuguese told a news conference.

“Fear is something that doesn’t come inside our dressing room. Respect, yes, but we ... won’t change our ambition or style of play. It’s important to enjoy the moment and be strong. We want to win and nothing more.”

Liverpool are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten run against Everton, going 17 matches in all competitions without defeat, but Silva said the past would have no bearing on the outcome of the match.

“These records exist to be broken,” he added. “What I want is to see our team being ourselves. I’m sure it’s what our fans want to see as well.”

Liverpool were beaten 2-1 at Paris St Germain in the Champions League midweek but Silva does not expect that defeat to offer his side an edge when they visit Anfield, where Liverpool have not been defeated in the league since April last year.

“First of all, we look at ourselves,” he added. “We then analyse our opponent, how we can block them, how we can achieve something against them. What they did or not do in the Champions League is not important for us.”

It’s important to enjoy the moment and be strong. We want to win MARCO SILVA, EVERTON MANAGER