Monday 19 December 2016 20:00, UK
Ashley Williams has told Sky Sports that he is relishing taking on Liverpool - the club he supports - on Mersey Monday.
Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park looking to build on their morale boosting success over Arsenal in midweek, with Williams scoring a late winner.
The Reds themselves got back to winning ways on Wednesday with a 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough.
Fully aware of the meaning of the occasion, Williams is adamant his side are ready for the test, and insisted supporting Monday's opposition will not affect his focus.
"It's going to be a special one being my first one, especially at home. I've heard about it since joining so I'm looking forward to taking part in it," Williams said.
"I think everybody knows I grew up a Liverpool fan, so that was what it was - but hopefully we can put on a good performance at home. I hope I make the right impact for Everton.
"We need to stick to our gameplan. They've had a good season so far, and are one of the better teams in the league, but we feel at home that it should be a good night for us.
"If we impose ourselves then we'll stop them. They have some of the top players in the league, and we know we'll have to put a shift in.
"Expecting a good atmosphere - I'm sure it'll be very loud. A lot of people have told me what it's like so I can only guess it'll be a good night."
Another player who will also be looking forward to this encounter more than most is Ross Barkley and, should he start at Goodison, there will be onus on him to take the game to Liverpool.
Critics have often pointed to Barkley's struggle for consistency but Williams insists the England international is doing everything he can to make sure he's a success on the blue half of Merseyside.
"It's only natural when you're such a good player, people are always going to have something to say," Williams added.
"He's got his head down and I haven't heard him moan. He works hard in training and played really well against Arsenal.
"He's one of the most talented players I've played with so it [the scrutiny] is not really a problem for him. It doesn't seem to be anyway. That just comes with the job and there's nothing you can do but get on with it.
"In this team there a few older heads, and we can all speak to him to give him advice and encouragement - but to be honest I don't think he's needed it, as he responded well to going out of the team.
"He has all the attributes and I'm sure he can become one of the top players in the Premier League."
Watch Everton v Liverpool live on Monday Night Football from 7pm live on Sky Sports 1.
