Emile Heskey delivers verdict on Liverpool v Everton clash

By Alex Stevens

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has said that while Liverpool are favourites for the Merseyside derby on Monday, it will all come down to "who wants it more".

Talking on the Call Collymore show, and posted on Stan Collymore's Twitter account, Heskey said, "Liverpool will always be favourites but it's a game where you can go in as favourites, but there's so much passion that this goes out the window. It's who wants it more.

They [Everton] will fight more and battle more because of what it means to the city itself. It's bragging rights at the end of the day but I still feel that Liverpool have that little bit too much."

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park on Monday for the first Merseyside clash of the season in fine form.

They're currently second in the league, nine points behind Chelsea who have played a game more after beating Crystal Palace on Saturday.

By contrast Everton are struggling under Ronald Koeman this season. Despite beating Arsenal 2-1 on Tuesday they are only eighth in the league.

Prior to the Arsenal victory they hadn't recorded a Premier League win since October and endured a number of disappointing results including a 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea.

Liverpool are clear favourites to win the match on Monday despite playing away from home and Everton have to look back to 2010 for the last time they beat their city rivals.

In other Liverpool news, Craig Bellamy believes they can challenge for the title if they strengthen in these two areas.