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, while 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 and bounced back from losing European finals, let alone one league game at Villa Park.

Liverpool are reeling after their humiliating 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa in their last match

Meanwhile, their bitter rivals Everton, led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, are leading the league

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.

We cannot gloss over the defeat at Villa of course. Joe Gomez, in particular, has struggled in the heart of the defence this season. He does not look as confident, or even fit, compared to his prime and the manager faces a big decision whether to take him out of the firing line.

It is always a tricky call. Some players benefit from having a breather, gather their thoughts and come back stronger. I always liked to have that final chance if I was out of form and invariably put in a better performance. For me, rising to the challenge helped, whereas being dropped might have knocked my confidence.

Everton will lose the advantage of their loyal support creating the atmosphere for derby day

I do not know Gomez’s character but from the outside, I would say it would be better for Liverpool if Fabinho partnered Virgil van Dijk for the derby, particularly as Klopp should have other strong options in midfield. The middle of a back four is such a crucial part of the pitch and particularly so for Liverpool on this occasion, because Everton’s main strength is their front three, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring every time he plays.

You can chart Everton’s progress by thinking about who you would pick in a joint Liverpool-Everton XI. A couple of years ago, I picked 10 Reds and Andre Gomes, but more of Ancelotti’s players would be in contention now.

You would not leave Calvert-Lewin out of any team and at the back Yerry Mina would deserve his place based on this season’s performances. However, it is still true that Liverpool remain stronger overall which is why I fancy them on Saturday.

James Rodriguez is a tremendous player but you would not have him ahead of Mo Salah. I’ve eulogised about Richarlison but he is not quite the same player as Mane. Lucas Digne gets good reviews as Everton’s left-back but you would still take Andy Robertson every day of the week.

Joe Gomez was one of the Reds’ big strugglers during their incredible defeat to Aston Villa

Adrian has been a convenient scapegoat for last Sunday because he made the first error. But you cannot pin it just on him. Liverpool’s outfield players gave up so many chances, they would have still lost with Alisson in goal. Adrian won every Premier League game he played last season, so Liverpool should be able to cope with Alisson’s shoulder injury in the short term.

More significant was the high line Liverpool persisted with. It is all very fine to play that way but when there is no pressure in midfield you have to drop off.

Are Liverpool capable of getting back to being more resolute and harder to play against? Of course they are. They have had the best defensive record in the Premier League for the past two years and that is achieved by good organisation, not luck.

Mane is the trigger to press from the front, he sets the tone, and Liverpool will be stronger if he is back after self- isolation. Henderson is the leader they missed at Villa Park and he has been fit enough to join up with England this week.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has revolutionised Everton and his players since arriving last season

Adrian needs to have a comeback performance in the derby after a shocker against Villa

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 so they will want to silence the critics.

When I watched games from the Kop, Liverpool and Everton were the best teams in the country and the derbies were the biggest games of the season. I remember my dad turning down £50 for his ticket at one Anfield game and we both went in to watch Liverpool win 3-1, despite Kevin Sheedy banging in a free-kick right in front of me.

By the time I played for Liverpool it was rivalled by the Manchester United games because they were winning all the trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, but it seems the Merseyside derby is returning to its former glory. Everton are really hyped about it — but I’m backing a Liverpool response to Villa Park.

Everton’s already sky-high confidence would be galvanised by a huge victory over Liverpool