'We are going into it with belief' - Branthwaite on final Goodison derby

Jarrad Branthwaite says Everton must go into Wednesday's final Goodison Park derby against Liverpool believing they can win the game.

Arne Slot's side have lost just once in the Premier League this season and will visit Goodison Park for the final time knowing victory would take them nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

"It is the Merseyside derby, it is another game that we are looking to win, that's it," Toffees' defender Branthwaite said.

"If you build it up too much then you can fall under the pressure so I think for us as players we are going into it with the belief that we can get a result like last season.

"If you go into it bigging it up - all the pressure is on and everyone is watching - then you probably won't play your best.

"It will be different for the fans as they create the atmosphere for us to go out there and do a job. We need to go out and perform."

Brathwaite scored the opening goal when Everton beat their city rivals 2-0 in March to effectively end their title hopes in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge.

The Toffees will hope for a similarly energised performance after a run of three league wins in a row following David Moyes' reappointment in January.

"Obviously, wins are going to lift the atmosphere around the club and since the manager came in there has been a change," added Branthwaite.

"That has given us a bit of momentum, the fans are right behind us again and it makes it a difficult place when teams come here.

"I can feel a bit of change and hopefully that can continue.

"We've played against some top teams in the last five games and gone head-to-head with them and picked up points so we know we can do it.

"If we are not they will punish us as they are a good team. We have to be on the front foot from the first whistle and be ready to take it on."