Liverpool Legend Reveals the Key to Winning the Merseyside Derby

Liverpool hero John Aldridge says stopping Romelu Lukaku is the key to the Reds beating Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Lukaku has scored five goals in six starts since completing a season-long loan move to The Toffees on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

The Belgian forward netted 17 times during a spell at West Bromwich Albion last season, including at Anfield as the Baggies secured a 2-0 win.

Having been accused of being lightweight from set-pieces this season, Lukaku will pose a dangerous physical threat to Liverpool on Saturday, and Aldridge says his form side must be wary.

"Our start to the season has been excellent, but after that defeat to Arsenal I think there is a need to prove ourselves in a big game," Aldridge wrote in the Liverpool Echo. "And they don't come much bigger than Everton at Goodison Park.

"I've been impressed by what I've seen of Everton under Roberto Martinez. They might not be banging goals in left, right and centre but they are still a solid outfit, and they play a lot more expansively than they did under David Moyes.

"To me, the key for Liverpool is finding a way to stop Romelu Lukaku. He's the main threat they carry, and if you nullify him, I think you nullify Everton.

"Lukaku terrified Liverpool twice last season, whilst playing for West Brom. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will be well aware of the big Belgian's abilities.

"Liverpool haven't been shipping too many goals, but they haven't been keeping too many clean sheets either. The shutout against Fulham last time was useful, but Everton will be a different proposition."

In pursuit of their first win at Goodison Park since 2011, Brendan Rodgers' side are set to be boost by the return of Luis Suarez from international duty, despite having endured a 17,000 round journey to feature for Uruguay in their World Cup play-off against Jordan.

With the priority of qualifying for the Champions league, Liverpool have begun the campaign in impressive fashion with seven wins coming from their 11 league games and only two points separating them from leaders Arsenal.