Everton’s role in the weirdest possible build-up to a Merseyside derby has been restricted to their on-field struggles, which saw them on the bottom of the EPL until their 2-0 victory at Birmingham City before the international break.

The Toffees left the EPL’s bottom three as their city arch-rivals dropped into it for the first time in EPL history.

An own goal by Birmingham’s Roger Johnson sent Everton on their way after a goalless first half. And Tim Cahill’s stoppage-time bullet header sealed the points.

 

But manager David Moyes has an injury-hit squad from which to select for the 183^rd league clash with Liverpool.

Added to longer-term injuries to players such as Stephen Pienaar, Louis Saha, Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe is the hamstring injury which forced defender Phil Jagielka out of the England team which drew dismally with Montenegro this week.

His likely replacement is John Heitinga, whose EPL appearances this season have also been injury-restricted.

Heitinga is also the subject of heightened speculation about his future, some of which he has caused himself by admitting that he is “flattered” by interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and that “I’d definitely be interested in joining them.”

The lure of Champions League football could be a key factor as Heitinga told Dutch magazine Voetbal International: “I’m still eligible to play in the competition since we don’t play European football at Everton.”

And the 27-year-old defender added: “Every footballer wants to reach the top. And this could be the right moment.”