Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish expects the derby with Everton to be played in the right spirit.

He expects only a fully-committed affair on the pitch despite 20 players being sent off in the past 39 league meetings with 11 coming in the past 14 games.

"The derbies are perhaps more frantic and hectic but they will still be competitive," he said.

"It will always be competitive but it is not malicious - and if it is not competitive you have a problem.

"You cannot take away the competitive spirit of a derby match. If you do that you may as well close the doors and not let anyone in.

"It is a great game to play in, there is a fantastic atmosphere, and the city should be very proud it has two fantastic clubs.

"Overall I think both the clubs have done more good than harm for the city."