Everton vs Liverpool preview - Moyes hopeful over Cahill fitness

Posted Saturday, October 01, 2011 by PA

Everton manager David Moyes believes Tim Cahill should be fit for the 216th Merseyside derby with Liverpool at Goodison Park.

Cahill sustained severe bruising to his shin after being caught by Vincent Kompany during the 2-0 defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.

After simply doing light jogging on Thursday, according to Moyes, Cahill has trained more seriously with the Scot hopeful he will be okay pending a late check before kick-off.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard may have to settle for a place on the bench again.

The England midfielder has played just 25 minutes after a six-month lay-off from a groin operation.

Defenders Glen Johnson (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (rib) will not feature - although the latter has returned to training - while forward Dirk Kuyt is pushing for a recall at the expense of Jordan Henderson.

manager Kenny Dalglish has called for his players to be committed but cool in the fevered atmosphere of the derby.

The Reds have played well in short spells this season but the Scot knows it will require more than that to beat their nearest neighbours and closest rivals.

"The most important thing for us is to be confident, composed and have the belief we can win the game," he said.

"It is up to us to get that into our players and get them to believe it.

"We know we have to be totally committed to get the result because if we aren't we won't get anything.

"You have to earn things you want in this life and if we want three points from Goodison on Saturday then we will need to stand up and be counted because they will make it difficult for us."