Everton have not won a Merseyside derby since 2010, but Ronald Koeman insists his injury-hit side will give Liverpool a ‘big challenge’ at Anfield on Saturday.
Boss Koeman saw Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy both crocked in this month's international break, and there are also doubts over Ramiro Funes Mori after he went off on a stretcher as Argentina lost to Bolivia.
“These games [Everton then go to Old Trafford on Tuesday to meet Manchester United] are important, so that’s why it is disappointing that in the moment we get the chance to make this season special, we have lost some important players," said the Dutchman.
“There has been a big difference in many years in derby results, but I think we are now more close to Everton beating Liverpool.
“We had a good game at home [in December's reverse fixture ] and were only defeated by a goal in the 97th minute.
“The team will be ready on Saturday to give Liverpool a big challenge.”
Koeman, meanwhile, reiterated his support for the Video Assistant Referee system after it featured in Spain’s friendly win over France on Tuesday.
He said: “It takes 30 or 40 seconds, and you get a fair decision. The final result is more fair than it normally was without the video referee.
“Everybody will accept that.”