Everton defender Johnny Heitinga says they're facing Liverpool at the right time.

Liverpool's rapid decline from title challengers and Champions League competitors to a team chasing fourth place in the Barclays Premier League and contesting the Europa League has been noted by their local rivals, who cite it as a cause for optimism heading into today's 213th Merseyside derby at Anfield.

"I thought Liverpool would do better this season," Heitinga, the Everton defender, said. "In the past few years they have played well but they have surprised me with the way they are playing at the moment. It is the right time to beat Liverpool. It will not be easy, but it is better to face them now than when they won the Champions League, for example."