League position hasn't mattered when Liverpool and Everton meet but Rafael Benitez is confident his team's improved form will be enough to see off David Moyes' side.
"It's a very good game for everyone, especially the supporters. For me it would be three more points, but you know that when you win against your neighbour it is always better because you have your people happier during the season," he says.
"Personally, I have more experience of the game now. In England, though every game is passionate, the derby is even more important. We know it would be a special three points.
"We go into the derby with confidence. We have got three points from Newcastle and I want three points against Everton.
"It is always a fantastic atmosphere and a special game and personally I now know more than I did last season about the derby.
"One of the things we have changed away from home this year is to be more physical.
"We can play with Peter [Crouch] in some games and play in a more English style, and manage the domestic games in a different manner to last season.
"Sissoko gives to us power in the middle. Crouch gives the option of playing long balls upfield and to keep the ball, and it domestic games we needed things like this.
"As a manager and a scouting team, we are proud. When Crouch signed, people were saying he is not good enough for us, but now people ask why he isn't playing when we leave him out."