Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is relishing this weekend's Merseyside derby against Liverpool. The Toffees trail their neighbours by two points in the race for a Champions League place, and Sunday's fixture is eagerly anticipated.

"I don't think you ever need any incentive in derbies but there will be this year because of how close we are," Howard told Everton's official website.

"We are looking to get a result and that would be the case no matter what."

The gap would have been narrower had Everton not been held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Saturday.