Source: PA
Hodgson fired-up ahead of derby clash
Sunday's 214th Merseyside derby may be being billed as a relegation clash but Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson expects to see both sides challenging for European places by the end of the season.
Liverpool's worst start to a season since 1953-54 - when they were relegated - has seen them win just once and slip to 18th in the table.
Everton have fared little better, securing their first victory at Birmingham just before the international break, to move one place ahead of their near-neighbours on goal difference alone.
Hodgson believes both teams are in false positions and by the time the two sides meet again at Anfield in mid-January he expects things to have improved considerably.
"I am looking forward to it. It would've been nice if we could have been in a better position though," said Hodgson ahead of his first Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. "I'm sure my colleague David [Moyes] would be saying the same thing.
"It's a bit unusual to see a derby with both teams down there but I'm pretty sure we'll see both teams in a better position for the next one. I suppose there is extra importance because both of us are desperately in need of points - but it would be nice if we could get them."
