Everton manager Roberto Martinez has downplayed the significance of past Merseyside derbies ahead of Sunday's showdown with local rivals Liverpool.

The Blues have only defeated their neighbours once in the last 17 league meetings, but Martinez has urged his players to focus on the game in hand.

"Obviously you can look at the stats over the years, but I don't think we should really look into anything further than just [trying to create] a really good home game," ESPN quotes the Spaniard as saying.

"Our last home game was probably one where we set the standards in many aspects - the way we started, the way we performed throughout, the atmosphere, the way the fans created a perfect environment for us to play football.

"We haven't been that successful in the last 17 fixtures in the derby, but I don't think that is something we are going to take into Sunday's game. It is about how good we can be and how much we can create a special atmosphere like we did in the previous home game."

Only one point separates the Merseyside clubs ahead of kickoff.