Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on referee Andre Marriner to keep a cool head during Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

The hotly-contested fixture between the local rivals has produced 14 red cards in the last 10 years, but Rodgers is hoping that it is not the performance of officials that is talked about after the match this time.

"I have seen it over the years - the real firecrackers of games, full of intensity and passion, which they should be because that is what derbies are about," the Reds boss told reporters.

"But it is also important to stay calm, and I think the referee has a big part to play in it as well because I have also seen over the games some of the challenges. I think the history of this game shows there have been a lot of red cards.

"The Merseyside derby is a terrific game full of passion and quality, and I just hope the referee in Andre can really ensure that everything is in control and that the football is what is talked about."

Liverpool go into the match 12th in the Premier League table, while Everton currently sit fourth.