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Cape Town - Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen says the team is geared up and ready for their Merseyside derby clash with Everton on Wednesday night.
The Reds head into the midweek encounter on the back of a three-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and five points off the European places in eighth spot.
However, the former Swansea City star insists that form will be irrelevant when the two sides face each other at Anfield.
"We know how much this fixture means to the fans," Allen told the Liverpool Echo.
"With the game being rearranged, the derby has sort of snuck up on both clubs.
"That’s no bad thing in some ways. Our focus has been on getting results in other games. We've had some exciting fixtures in recent weeks and now Everton is the next one to look forward to."
"No matter where the clubs are in the table, there is always a lot riding on this game," he said.
"This is the fixture that every supporter and player of both clubs looks for the second the fixtures come out.
"It's that type of game. It means so much to the people of the city and to everyone involved.
"Trust me, the lads here know what this means and we want to do everything we possibly can to get a win over our biggest rivals."
"From our point of view, it's important to remember how dangerous they can be and the quality they have," Allen added.
"It's a one-off game. On their day Everton are one of the toughest teams in the Premier League.
"Our approach is one of making sure there is no complacency on our part and that we give everything for the full 90 minutes. It won't be an easy game."
