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* FOLLOW the 220th Merseyside derby as it happens with latest stats and live updates from Anfield in our match centre here

BRENDAN RODGERS is backing derby debutants Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho to fire Liverpool FC to victory against Everton at Anfield tomorrow.

The Reds boss insists the in-form attacking duo won’t be fazed by the prospect of an uncompromising lunchtime showdown with the Blues.

Sturridge’s double in last weekend’s 6-0 rout of Newcastle took his tally to eight goals in 13 appearances, while Coutinho flourished in a central role behind the £12million frontman.

“I’ve got no doubt that Daniel and Philippe will relish it,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“They are young but they have both played in many big games.

“Philippe has played in derbies in Italy and Daniel played for big clubs before he came here.

“They are both outstanding players and they have shown that since they came here in January.

“When you are a top player, you always want to play in the top games and this one of them.

“You look at Daniel’s performances against the big teams – Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal – he has been at the very top level. The two of them will be a real threat for us this weekend.”

Rodgers knows the Reds must combat Everton’s physical approach if they are to come out om top but he insists David Moyes’ side boast brains as well as brawn.

“They are a very good side and have players with different qualities,” he said.

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“They have some real outstanding technical players in Leighton Baines, Leon Osman and Seamus Coleman going forward. They also have players of strength like Marouane Fellaini, Sylvain Distin, Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe.

“There is no concerns on my part about us getting bullied. We have players who can cope with that physicality.

“Our game is based on a real technical, aggressive game, based in the opponent’s half. When it’s physical, we have the bodies and the physicality to cope.”

History is on Liverpool’s side with Everton without a victory at Anfield since Kevin Campbell got the winner in September 1999.

The Blues have won just two of their last 26 league visits but Rodgers says that will mean nothing tomorrow.

“I always say records are there to be broken,” he said.

“We went to Wigan earlier this season and Liverpool hadn’t won there for a number of years but we put in a great performance.

“We must focus on the present which is we’re at home in a great derby. We have the chance to go a couple of points behind Everton if we win and that’s a great motivation for us. Our players will be fully committed to getting three points.”

Liverpool are expected to be unchanged following last week’s win against Newcastle. Steven Gerrard is fit enough to start after being forced off at St James’ Park with a shoulder injury.

Tomorrow will be the skipper’s 36th consecutive league start – equalling his previous longest run set between April 2006 and April 2007.

“Steven has trained and should be fine,” Rodgers said.

“He has the shoulder strapped up and it’s something he can play with.“We’ve still got three games to go and he’s very keen to continue what has been a terrific season for him.”

* FOLLOW the 220th Merseyside derby as it happens with latest stats and live updates from Anfield in our match centre here