'Huge' - Alan Stubbs says what Everton must do to beat Liverpool

Everton hero Alan Stubbs has admitted he was “dreading” the Merseyside derby against Liverpool until Wednesday’s “huge” victory over Wolves.

The two neighbours meet in the final-ever league derby at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime [7 December], with Sean Dyche’s struggling Toffees meeting the high-flying leaders under Arne Slot.

Wednesday’s defiant 4-0 thrashing of Wolves, however, has spurred on many who were initially not relishing the prospect of the Merseyside showdown.

Stubbs is among them, though he said it is crucial Everton score the first goal.

“With it being the last at Goodison, it’s got even more riding on it – it’s a huge game for both teams,” Stubbs told Ally McCoist and Ray Parlour live on talkSPORT [6 December, 08:11].

“Everton have had a big confidence booster during the week from the result against Wolves. Wednesday’s result was huge. They had to win that game no matter what because of the run of games they’ve got coming up.

“After Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford, I’ll admit I was dreading this week. Everton have to make this game as ugly as they possibly can. They have to score the first goal.”

Everton meet Liverpool for final league derby at Goodison

Stubbs has admitted every Everton player who features in Saturday’s clash will have to perform to “at least an 8.5 to a 9/10” to secure any kind of result.

Liverpool’s lead at the top of the pile was slashed to seven points in midweek after late drama at Newcastle United saw the Magpies earn a 3-3 draw, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City were all victorious.

The Reds’ inspired form this campaign sets the derby up to become even more poignant if Everton can somehow dig out an iconic win, in what will be the last at the old home barring an unlikely FA Cup draw.

Last season provided the drama all in the favour of the blue side, as Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals back on 24 April put the Reds – then under Jurgen Klopp – on their title race sword for good.

With the exception of the crowd-less lockdown-hit 2-0 win at Anfield in February 2021, the last Everton win over Liverpool before this year came at Goodison back in April 2010, as Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta’s goals ground out the same result.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin could arrange a deal with a new bank to reorganise the club’s debts.

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