In full: Read Arne Slot's programme notes for Merseyside derby

The Dutchman writes: “I know that this is an occasion that everyone at both clubs looks forward to and the date is one that the supporters will look for as soon as the fixtures come out.

“Having been involved in two highly competitive, contrasting Merseyside derby matches last season, I fully understand why.

“The drama and the passion of both of these games underlined everything that the derby is about and it makes sense that we should expect today’s encounter to be pretty similar because this is what local rivalry is always likely to bring, especially in a city like ours where football means so much no matter which club you support.

“At the same time, we should also recognise the other side of this rivalry, a side that perhaps does not get talked about enough given how much focus there understandably is on the drama. This side was visible once again during the summer following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.

“In our hour of need, Everton reached out in word and in deed to demonstrate that they stood with us. David Moyes and Beto both visited Anfield to publicly pay their respects to Diogo on behalf of Everton and I am aware that others did the same privately. In addition, we received contact at various levels of the club offering support.

“I understand that this is wholly in keeping with the longstanding relationship between the two clubs and it is something that none of us should ever take for granted because it is very, very special. It is also something that, having experienced at first hand, I certainly appreciate.

“So I welcome David, his players and staff and the officials and supporters of Everton to Anfield in the spirit of this appreciation. Yes, our teams will have another contest that we all hope will be worthy of this occasion and we will all be doing our level best to get the result that we want for our clubs, but within this rivalry is a mutual respect which should always be cherished.

“From our side, we want to carry on a very good – but, of course, not perfect – run which has seen us win all of our games since the season began.

“This continued on Wednesday night thanks to another late winning goal; this time from our captain, Virgil van Dijk. It was a goal that we should not have needed because having been 2-0 up and having created a lot of chances, we know that the game should have been put to bed long before Virgil settled it.

“So we can definitely do better in this regard and we will definitely need to do better in the weeks and months to come. At the same time, though, this does not detract from the qualities that have allowed us to win these matches, whether that is the quality of the football we have played at times or the resilience that has allowed us to find a way to win.

“As a coach you are always striving for perfection even though you know this is not really possible but the other big positive from my point of view is this group of players will be as determined as I am to make the improvements that we all know are necessary. It is not that they leave the pitch after a big win and sit back and enjoy the moment.

“The response to whatever has happened in the game starts straight away because the focus is always on striving to be the best possible version of ourselves.

“This process continues today against an opponent which recent and past experience tells us will do everything in their power to ensure they do not make life easy for us.

“Again, this is a part of the rivalry and we have to face into it on and off the pitch knowing that this will be another occasion when we will have to give absolutely everything we can to get the result that we want.”

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