Liverpool players are used to pressure - Slot

Slot took over at Liverpool in the summer following the departure of Jurgen Klopp

Arne Slot says his Liverpool players are used to the pressure of having to win as they seek to maintain their advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Slot's side are seven points clear at the top going into Saturday's derby at Everton (12:30 GMT).

Liverpool did stretch their lead to nine points by beating Manchester City last Sunday, but that was trimmed on Wednesday as they drew 3-3 at Newcastle while Chelsea and Arsenal, their closest challengers, both won.

Premier League champions City, meanwhile, are nine points behind the Reds after beating Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

"I think if you play for Liverpool, every day you feel pressure because you play at a big club," head coach Slot said.

"Everybody expects two things from us - that we win and that we play good football.

"That's also the good thing - that these players are used to this being expected from them - so, if we are top of the league, second, third or fourth, people expect us to win and in a certain way. That pressure is always there.

"If you play or work at this level, you like this pressure for the simple reason that players are able to do what is expected of them. It's much harder if you, for example, have to stay above the relegation zone.

"We've got the quality to do what we are doing at the moment - winning games and playing good football. There is always pressure if you are at a club like Liverpool - like it is at Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea."

'We have to be aggressive but in a smart way'

The game will be Slot's first derby as Reds boss but is set to be the last in the league at Goodison Park, with Everton planning to move to their new stadium for next season.

Slot has watched back Liverpool's last visit to Goodison in April when, under Jurgen Klopp, they were beaten 2-0 as their title challenge faded.

"I was a bit surprised after half an hour because Liverpool had the ball most of the time but there were 10 fouls by a Liverpool player and only one from Everton," said the Dutchman.

"We have to be aggressive but in a smart way, especially because they are a big threat from set-pieces. If you want to talk about tactics, first you have to match their work-rate."

There have been 23 red cards in the Merseyside derby during the Premier League era, with 16 for Everton and seven for Liverpool.

Slot added: "It's going to be special for everyone. To be part of this game is already special and to be part of the last one at Goodison Park makes it probably even more special.

"It's only a nice experience if the result goes your way and that is what we are focusing on most."