Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs talking to BBC Radio 5 live:

We are pinching ourselves. It has been a brilliant start, the new signings have made such a difference to everything around the club. The feelgood factor is there. I can't remember the last time we went into a derby in such form.

Ancelotti has totally transfsormed the team and the belief among Everton fans. For the first time in a number of years, we have a manager who oozes class. His track record is as good as anyone's.

We look like for the first time in a number of years, we are starting to make real progress.

The 2020-21 Premier League season has begun with a level of goalscoring unprecedented in the Premier League era. In fact, with 144 goals in 38 Premier League matches, at an average of 3.79 goals per match, the first four rounds of a top flight season have not been so prolific for 60 years.

Football analysts Gracenote have attempted to dig in to the reasons for this, identifying that conversion rates on shots have gone through the roof, teams are creating better chances and there has obviously been an increase in penalties. That is not all, though.

"Defenders and goalkeepers are conceding more frequently than the data suggests they ought to and there is less tackling," says Gracenote's Simon Gleave. "This lower level of tacking perhaps indicates that there is not the same pressure on the ball from defenders just before a shot is released. Given this, the players taking shots might have a crucial extra fraction of second." "Fewer goal attempts, lower save percentages and less tackling were traits we were already seeing in Premier League matches in June and July when matches were first played in empty stadiums. It seems reasonable to assume that the lack of spectators can have an effect on the behaviour of the players on the field."

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa & Man Utd striker on Football Focus

Everton have been great this season so far.

Pickford is a world-class goalkeeper but he's making these mistakes, and he's making them again and again.

He needs to work at staying at the same level instead of 'ooh what a great save' to 'oh he's made a mistake'

Alex Scott
Former England and Arsenal defender oin Football Focus

In there, the number nine and the pressure that comes with that, he [Dominic Calvert-Lewin] has really taken it on.

Everything he has put into his game, his work ethic, staying in the box now.

What I like about this Everton side is the balance.

They are all different and bring a different element to the side.

Skully: As an Everton fan I can honestly say not one Liverpool player would get in our team at the moment.

No way this is going to cause people to take to Twitter to respond, Skully. You're grand.

Mark Lawrenson
Ex-Liverpool defender

It is going to be interesting to see how Liverpool get on against Everton's midfield and whether they can get in and around them. The same goes for how the Liverpool defence copes under pressure this time.

It is a difficult one to call, which is why I am going with a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Lawro's full predictions v Afrobeat star Rema

Alex Scott
Former England and Arsenal defender on Football Focus

The humiliation of it all, everyone was talking about it.

Everyone was talking about how they were champions.

They need a reaction. It's a derby day so there is more incentive.

Liverpool’s high line is being exposed so what is next?

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa & Man Utd striker on Football Focus

It was a humbling, you are a very good side, Liverpool, but you were well beaten by Villa and they just didn’t expect to lose.

Sometimes you have to be grounded and brought back down to earth in order to start to build the respect you earned so rightly.

I think Jordan Henderson will have stepped in, organised a meeting and said ‘come on, we can’t have that again’.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel told BBC Radio 5 live on Friday night:

"Everton will be looking forward to this and will be full of confidence. It might go against what people think, but I still think Liverpool are favourites.

It is a long time since Everton beat Liverpool and just because Liverpool had one bad result it doesnt make them a bad team. It wont be anything to do with nerves, it is going to be one heck of a game but I still fancy Liverpool.

Everton

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti talking to BT Sport:

We are sure we are going to be playing the best team in the Premier League. They are a fantastic team and it is an honour to play against then. It is a good test for us and it is exciting.

I hope to give happiness to the fans from home.

Alan Shearer
Former Newcastle captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

It should be great for everyone watching - the way the Premier League has started, we are guaranteed goals, aren't we?!

For Liverpool, this is a game that could define their season because of what went on in their previous game - conceding the goals they did in the manner they did - I do think it was a blip, but it's important they get back on track and the world will be watching.

• Liverpool have lost four of their past eight away league games, as many as in their previous 46 away fixtures.
• Liverpool's four league losses in 2020 are as many as they suffered in 2018 and 2019 combined.
• The last time the Reds had conceded 11 goals after four fixtures was back in 1937-38.
• Liverpool have conceded 23 goals since June's Premier League resumption. Only Crystal Palace (25) and Brighton (24) have let in more over this period.

Big day for Joel Matip, this. Joe Gomez probably hasn't been at his best since Project Restart. That spot next to Van Dijk in the centre of the Liverpool back four is up for grabs.

It's in midfield where this gets really tasty. Everton went all out to strengthen that area of their side in the summer with Allan, Doucoure and Rodriguez. And Liverpool are wheeling out the big guns in Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson.

Despite all the momentum seemingly in Everton's favour today, those decked in blue will have reasons to be more than a little cautious. Their recent record against the enemy is, shall we say, not the best...

Their last win against Liverpool was exactly 10 years and 23 matches ago.

They are also without a home league goal against their Merseyside neighbours in six hours and 45 minutes.

It's enough to make even the staunchest Blue a bit edgey.

If you want to read more about Everton's last win over Liverpool and whether history might repeat itself today, have a read of our man Chris Bevan's piece.

A Kirkham: Hard to predict the result of today's Merseyside derby. Momentum is definitely with the Toffees, but the Reds have a tasty lineup too. Looking forward to seeing James and Thiago!

Aashish: Two well matched sides, right down to two highly, strong goalkeepers, it is a case of one with the least gaffs win

Ar Vind: Looking at the line ups, it will either be a spectacle worthy of a Merseyside derby or a dull cancel-eachother draw

Merseyside isn't hosting the only derby this lunchtime. There's a big one taking place in Glasgow.

If you want to follow our live text coverage of the Old Firm game between Celtic and Rangers you can do so here.