Marco Silva believes the Merseyside derby can act as a springboard for Everton’s season.
The Blues head into Sunday’s 232nd meeting with Liverpool searching for their first victory on the opposing side of Stanley Park in almost two full decades.
Since Kevin Campbell sealed victory in 1999, Everton have been win-less in 20 previous visits to Anfield in all competitions – the worst record against their rivals.
But Silva believes that his side can use their latest clash with the Reds to build on an impressive start to the season that has put them in contention for a top six place.
He said: “Derbies are always special, special games and moments for the city and the people.
“What I want in my squad and my players is to fight for our goal. Sometimes in a derby it is not always easy to see a very good game with big quality.
“But the power of one derby means you can see good things happen after one result. It could be very good for us.
“A good result for us could boost our confidence to a high, high level.”
The Everton manager has also revealed that he banished talk of fear from the dressing room in spite of the club’s poor record when facing their local rivals.
“It’s a fantastic moment, a fantastic time to play,” he added.
“My players know the fear word is not allowed in our dressing room.
“When you are doing something that is your passion, playing with fear, training with fear is not something you can do.”