Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp expects his side to have to earn the right to play in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds head into the game in fine fettle, having scored 12 goals in their last two games – putting five past Brighton last weekend and seven past Spartak Moscow in the Champions League in midweek.

However, Klopp is prepared for a much more difficult time against the Toffees, especially with the Blues having recently appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager.

He told reporters ahead of the game on Sunday afternoon: “Sam Allardyce is one of the most experienced managers in the league. You know what you will get, but it doesn’t make it easier.

“I expect good organisation, a clear structure. Some high-level set-pieces. A lot of fights for second balls, for sure we need to do that.

“We have to look for challenges, find challenges and win challenges. We have to be ready for hard challenges.

“I want to see us fighting, that is how a derby should be. You have to start and fight immediately from the first whistle.”

Klopp has already confirmed that skipper Jordan Henderson will return in midfield after being rested in midweek, while Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno is a major doubt due to an ankle injury sustained against Spartak.

Liverpool have held the upper hand in the derby encounters in recent times, with the Reds unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with Everton, who last tasted victory against their city rivals in October 2010.

The Reds are available at 3/10 to secure victory on Sunday and are 17/2 to win the game 2-1, while Liverpool can be backed at 4/7 to finish in the top four in the Premier League this season.