Everton sacked Marco Silva after Liverpool beat Everton 5-2 in the Premier League at the beginning of December.

However, since then Everton have only lost two of their last seven matches.

The first came from a penalty shootout loss to Leicester City in the Carabao Cup after the tie finished 2-2 after 90 minutes and the second was last Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Interim boss Duncan Ferguson quickly changed the mood around the club after Silva was shown the door and Ancelotti managed to win his first two games in charge of the Toffees.

However, the former Napoli boss admitted that his squad must produce a “perfect” performance if they are to get the better of Liverpool this weekend. Liverpool news: Carlo Ancelotti thinks Reds' owner were right to appoint Jurgen READ MORE Rangers boss Steven Gerrard eyes Liverpool transfer in January

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” said Ancelotti.

“It will be difficult, this is normal, but you can do your best only if you are focussed and playing without fear.

“The best way to approach this game is to be focussed on what you are going to do on the pitch and nothing else. How you have to defend and how you have to attack.

“You have to produce a great performance, a normal performance is not enough against them. Everything has to be perfect – no mistakes, work hard, intensity – the game has to be complete.”

Ancelotti will have defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin available for the tie, although Bernard’s fitness will be assessed ahead of the match. Trending

As for Liverpool, Klopp hinted that attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino could make his debut on Sunday.

The 24-year-old has already begun training with his team-mates following his £7.25million move from Red Bull Salzburg on January 1.

“Takumi is here and had three sessions with the team now, that’s not so much. But it’s football still,” Klopp said.

“He had kind of time off when Salzburg went into the winter break…He came here in a good shape. So, let’s see.” Related articles