Everton defender Ashley Williams has admitted that he is relishing the chance to face boyhood side Liverpool in his first taste of the Merseyside derby.

The Wales international is expected to start in the heart of defence at Goodison Park this evening, as the Toffees attempt to halt their rivals' charge for the title.

Williams is fully aware of what the occasion means to supporters, particularly after his side suffered a 4-0 thrashing the last time the two teams met, but the former Swansea City skipper is confident that Everton can successfully negate the threat of Liverpool's on-song forwards.

"It's going to be a special one being my first one, especially at home. I've heard about it since joining so I'm looking forward to taking part in it," he told Sky Sports News. "I think everybody knows I grew up a Liverpool fan, so that was what it was - but hopefully we can put on a good performance at home.

"I hope I make the right impact for Everton. We need to stick to our gameplan. They've had a good season so far, and are one of the better teams in the league, but we feel at home that it should be a good night for us. If we impose ourselves then we'll stop them.

"They have some of the top players in the league, and we know we'll have to put a shift in. Expecting a good atmosphere - I'm sure it'll be very loud. A lot of people have told me what it's like so I can only guess it'll be a good night."

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 11 league meetings with Everton - winning four and drawing seven - and have suffered just one defeat in the past 19 encounters.