I don't know what tricks Enner Valencia has been pulling off in training but he gets the nod to take a free-kick in a dangerous area instead of Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley or Romelu Lukaku.

His wizardry isn't repeated on the pitch though as he punts an effort into the wall. 

Jurgen Klopp is enraged with one of his players. Fuming. 

Image source, PA

Robbie Savage
Ex-Leicester City & Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

It was a poor clearance but the backpass from Jordan Henderson was bouncing and Mignolet did well to get it as far as he did.

Alfred: Could this be Barkley's final appearance in a Merseyside derby in a blue shirt? Last chance for you to impress Mr. Koeman.

Ryan Lloyd: Firmino's form has really dropped off recently -- he hasn't looked good thus far today, either.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Goodison Park

No surprises that this one has started at a rip-roaring tempo and Everton have really come flying out of the traps.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has constantly complained about his team's slow starts this season. No such problem tonight - but can they maintain it?

Jordan Henderson gives Simon Mignolet a difficult backpass which the Belgian can only shin out to Aaron Lennon 30 yards from goal. He takes on an early shot which deflects into the path of Ross Barkley - one good touch and he's in on goal but the ball spins away from his left foot.

You have to go some to have more energy than a Jurgen Klopp midfield, but Idrissa Gueye has impressed in these early stages. Liverpool were electric in attack against Middlesbrough, with Sadio Mane particularly sharp. Not so far tonight. 

Robbie Savage
Ex-Leicester City & Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton have started aggressively in the middle of the park. Idrissa Gueye has been brilliant since he's come into the side and has so much energy.

As good an atmosphere as I've heard in a long, long time. The roof could come off the place if we get an early goal.

Everton send Romelu Lukaku away on the right, he hits an early cross/shot across the middle but it's nowhere near a team-mate. 

Image source, AFP

Ross Barkley has already ripped a huge hole in his shirt as Everton try and gain some control. Seamus Coleman motors down the right but his cross is brilliantly cleared by Dejan Lovren. Wonderful defending. 

Other intergalactic bounty hunters are available

Liverpool kick it long straight away, before Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley almost collide under a bouncing ball. No time or room for the usual passing play in the early stages...

Image source, AP

Superstar ref Mike Dean makes an elaborate hand gesture, and we are away!

Already a cracking atmosphere at Goodison - as we expected. The Liverpool line up is jeered and whistled from the rafters. 

Everton: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Ashley Williams, Funes Mori, Baines, McCarthy, Gana, Lennon, Barkley, Valencia, Lukaku. Subs: Robles, Mirallas, Cleverley, Barry, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate, Kenny.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Klavan, Lovren, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana, Mane, Origi, Firmino. Subs: Karius, Sturridge, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Woodburn, Alexander-Arnold.

Referee: Mike Dean (England)

The players emerge - the final game before Christmas.

Image source, Reuters

BBC Radio 5 live

Tune in for full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 live with John Murray and Robbie Savage.

You can listen by using the play button at the top of the page.

And for a more local lilt, there's coverage on BBC Radio Merseyside, which you can tune into on 95.8FM if you're in the Merseyside area.

Coming in to this weekend, only Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa (17) had been involved in more Premier League goals than Romelu Lukaku (12 – nine goals, three assists) and Adam Lallana (12 – six goals, six assists) this season.

Liverpool

Image source, AFP

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has spoken to Sky Sports about the continued absence of defender Joel Matip with an ankle problem.

“It was clear we shouldn’t even try with Joel Matip, if you rush it makes it worse.”

On Daniel Sturridge being fit enough to make the bench: “It’s good yeah. He only trained for two days with the team.

“We will see how the game is going but he cannot be fit and there are a lot of fixtures coming up."

How is he finding his first visit to Goodison Park?

“It’s nice. The grass is a little bit high (laughs). It’s really nice, but I knew that before. I’m a bit of a groundhopper so it’s a new stadium for me which is good.

“(This sort of game) It is the best thing football can be. We recognise there are a lot of more important things in the world that happen, but now it is football and time to perform and deliver.”

Everton

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has spoken to Sky Sports about opting to keep James McCarthy in the side ahead of Gareth Barry.

"It was a difficult decision but that’s football. We had a good game against Arsenal."

On managing in his first Merseyside derby: “It feels a little bit different. It’s a special one.

"We know Liverpool will press high and you can't make mistakes in building up the play."

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Goodison Park

The teams are out warming up on this very mild night on Merseyside. 

It has all been very seasonal in and around Goodison Park, with a choir singing Christmas Carols and the usual selection of familiar songs

Not sure it will be quite so festive when the action gets under way between Everton and Liverpool. Every chance we will see plenty of early physical challenges.

Image source, Getty Images