Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite insists the Blues are not focused on derailing Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge.
However, the centre-back is eager to end his Goodison Park Merseyside derby experience with a victory.
Everton will host their neighbours for the final time at the iconic stadium, but Liverpool arrive aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to a commanding nine points over Arsenal.
Last season, the Toffees pulled off an upset with a 2-0 win over Jurgen Klopp’s side while they were in the midst of a title race.
Jarrad Branthwaite, who scored the opening goal in that match, makes it clear that causing Arne Slot’s team to slip up is not their focus this time around.
“No, it is just another game,” he said.
“It is obviously a big game, but we are going there just looking to win and put on a performance, not only for the fans but for ourselves.
“You can see the sort of change we have had in the past three/four games, so hopefully we just continue that.”
Branthwaite added: “It is a massive game, and I think everyone knows how big the game is.
“The last game when we played them last season, that atmosphere, we need to recreate that and need to get everyone on our side and have a bit of momentum going into it and see what happens.
“It is the Merseyside derby, it is another game that we are looking to win, that’s it.
“If you build it up too much, then you can fall under the pressure, if you know what I mean, so I think for us as players, we are going into it with the belief that we can result like last season.
“If you go into it bigging it up, it is a Merseyside derby, all the pressure is on, and everyone is watching; then you probably won’t play your best, so like I say, it is another game, we need to go out and perform and see what we can do.”
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