It says much for the motivational and coaching skills of David Moyes and Rafa Benitez that both Everton and Liverpool are in such good form going into the Merseyside derby this weekend.

When the teams last clashed, a little over nine weeks ago, both clubs were virtually on their knees, their fans stunned by an astonishing loss of form that saw their pre-season expectations ripped to shreds before the Christmas decorations had even been put up.

In late November Liverpool...

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