Dalglish eyes derby victory

Liverpool must work hard to earn themselves a bit of luck in Sunday’s derby at home to Everton, according to manager Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds are down on their luck with two defeats in a row under Dalglish, who took over after Roy Hodgson left the Anfield hot seat last week.

And with his side just four points away from the relegation zone, Dalglish is hoping for a change of fortune.

“Every team that has ever been successful has always needed a bit of good fortune but we have to believe in ourselves and work hard enough to get that bit of good fortune to turn our way,” he said.

“We know how important it is for our players to get a positive result and we know how much it would lift the fans. The sooner we start winning matches, the greater the confidence will become. There’s a big difference between confidence and complacency – we just need a bit of confidence first. I’ve managed a group of players that’s worse than this – that’s a certainty.”

Both sides are dangerously close to the bottom three and Dalglish knows a win is worth a lot more than local bragging rights.

“Where the points from this game would take us is irrelevant because it’s the points you have at the end of the season that is the most relevant thing. It will be a fantastic occasion with some big personalities involved,” he said.

“It will be emotional – last year’s derby was but this one will be a little bit different. I’ve just got a seat closer to the pitch this time.”

“I think every game is important but a local derby in a great city and I think the city can be very proud of both teams. Even though they have not been the success people would have liked them to be in the last couple of years – they’re still a great credit to the city.”

Liverpool have Steven Gerrard suspended for the game while Jamie Carragher (shoulder) and Jay Spearing (ankle) are also out.