Everton’s Clare Wheeler says playing in the Merseyside derby is one of her best memories – and the midfielder believes Sunday’s clash against Liverpool will be a “crucial” encounter.

The Blues welcome their local rivals to Goodison Park on Sunday for a 1pm (GMT) kick-off and fans can purchase tickets for the match by clicking here.

Last time out at Goodison, the Merseyside rivals settled for a point apiece in a 1-1 draw during March of last year, but the Toffees followed that with a 1-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s showdown, Wheeler recognises the significance of the contest, and the opportunity her side has of picking up another impressive result.

“There are a lot of positives going into the derby, and those three points against Liverpool are going to be crucial,” she told evertontv.

“I think if you look at our track record, we do really well in front of big crowds. Last year, it was one of my best memories playing in the derby. And I hope this year, we get more people there. It’s an amazing day and I’m looking forward to it.”

In their previous outing, Everton fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Walton Hall Park.

The visitors struck a quick-fire double through Kenza Dali on 55 minutes and Ebony Salmon just five minutes later.

The Blues – competitive throughout a closely contested game – registered 10 shots to Villa’s nine and managed to half the deficit through an Elise Stenevik goal after 85 minutes.

Australia international Wheeler, although disappointed with Saturday’s result, says the Toffees can build from the performance as they head into the Merseyside derby.

“There were good patches and there were patches where we switched off,” she said. “Aston Villa, credit to them, they capitalised on those moments.

“There weren’t many decisions that went our way, but we need to be better in those moments. Even when things aren’t going our way, we can’t let them get those easy goals. It’ll be one of those games we wish we could play again.

“This game (against Villa) will be what could’ve been, but we need to leave it in the past, learn from it, and build for next week.”