Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has issued a warning to Everton ahead of this weekend's 237th Merseyside derby.
The Blues go into Saturday's lunchtime clash at Goodison Park as league leaders having made their best start to a season since 1894, winning all seven matches played so far in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
Reigning champions Liverpool won their opening three Premier League games against Leeds United, Chelsea and Arsenal before suffering a shock 7-2 hammering at Aston Villa before the international break.
The scale of the defeat has led some to suggest Liverpool, after dominating the Premier League and winning the title by 18 points last season, have been 'found out' but former Anfield midfielder Murphy says their Villa hiding will only fire Jurgen Klopp's men up and Carlo Ancelotti's side should beware the 'wounded animal'.
Saturday's clash will mark ten years to the day since the Blues' last derby win but Murphy told the Mail they must expect a reaction after the Reds' humiliation at Villa Park.
He said, “In theory, Everton will be happier than Liverpool at having the Merseyside derby next up in the Premier League at Goodison Park on Saturday.
“They are on a great run of form with maximum points under Carlo Ancelotti. Liverpool were drubbed 7-2 at Aston Villa in their last game and have not had time to work on mistakes, with players scattered around the world on international duty.
“For the first time for many years, the blue half of the city will understandably go into the game expecting to win.
“But in football you are best to be careful, particularly given a team as good as this Liverpool.
“We all know Jurgen Klopp’s men have great resilience and character besides their obvious quality.
“They have jumped over nearly every hurdle in the past couple of seasons. They have bounced back from losing European finals, let alone one league game at Villa Park.
“Everton will not have the advantage of a full house roaring them on and Liverpool may even benefit from Ancelotti’s side being so confident they will get on the front foot.
“If I was in the blue dressing-room, I would say beware the wounded animal, particularly as Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara should be all right to return.
“This is a fascinating game because of Everton’s revival.
“But they will miss the momentum they would have got from their fans. Liverpool will view it as a wonderful opportunity.
“People are questioning them for the showing at Villa and conceding three goals against Leeds. They will want to silence the critics.
“Everton are really hyped about it – but I’m backing a Liverpool response to Villa Park.”
