Coutinho: We are a better side than Everton

Cape Town - Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho believes they are a superior team to neighbours Everton ahead of the eagerly anticipated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Toffees will go into the clash in a rich vein of form - and with the league's leading scorer in Romelu Lukaku - having only once in the league since December.

Everton's impressive run has seen them move up to seventh on the Premier League table, only two points behind Manchester United in fifth place.

Coutinho though feels his team's league position - the Reds are currently fourth - shows they are a better side than their city rivals.

The Brazil international told Sky Sports: "I don't think about (Everton's form) or worry about that. Right now, Liverpool is higher in the league, that's the reality and that's all we have to think about.

"We will be ready. The derby is a very special match for everyone, the fans and the players.

"We know what it means. The people of Liverpool live this match with so much emotion and this time it is even more because Everton have improved so much in recent weeks.

"We know it won't be easy, but we know we have to win, for our fans, for our morale and for everybody."

Kick off is at 13:30.