Liverpool striker Divock Origi has claimed that he is expecting a real battle in this evening's Merseyside derby showdown with Everton at Goodison Park.
The Belgium international could come up against Ramiro Funes Mori for the first time since the Toffees defender clattered him in last season's 4-0 victory for the Reds.
Origi suffered ankle ligament damage as a result of the challenge, with Funes Mori adding fuel to the fire by thumping his Everton badge in pride when leaving the field after being shown a red card.
Ahead of the 227th meeting between the two sides, the 21-year-old insists that he is not out for revenge on Funes Mori but is instead determined to help Liverpool close the gap on leaders Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.
"These are things that happen. I came back stronger and I have to continue growing," he is quoted as saying by The Guardian. "These things happen in a football career. I received an official message [from Funes Mori].
"I keep on looking forward and I am very excited for the next game. How will I feel? I don't know who is playing but I am very motivated. It will be a war, so we go there in a very positive way.
"You want to win this game, you know it will not be easy, it is a derby so it will be special and a very big and important game for us as a club also. We have to prepare it well."
Liverpool, with just one defeat in the past 19 Merseyside derby matches, are currently nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea at the summit.
Daniel Lewis
