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Coverage from the Liverpool ECHO looks ahead to Sunday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, speaking to both Everton manager Brian Sorensen and January-signing Rikke Madsen to preview the clash.

The Blues take on Liverpool in a 1pm (GMT) kick-off, hoping to build on their impressive record against their local rivals. The Toffees have won three of their past four league meetings against the Reds, including a 1-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season.

Sorensen, manager of Everton Women since 2022, explained the intensity required in a Merseyside derby, and the pride he feels to lead his side out at Goodison Park.

“There is an extra focus on the game but the preparation is the same for me," he told journalist Chris Beesley. "Of course the noise around it is bigger because it is a derby and it’s special with the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool for so long, it’s not the same as if we were playing Brighton or West Ham.

“I love the intensity and passion of the derby, I wish that every game was like that but we need to bring our game too. You can’t replicate it 100% because of the history but you can replicate the intensity and the special feeling of being the blue side of the city.

“We have to make the most of these moments when we get to play at Goodison Park because they’re not coming back. I feel pride to lead a team out in that stadium and on that pitch with the buzz that goes with that.

“I go to the men’s games a lot and I like the atmosphere there, it’s a privilege.”

For some of Everton's players, Sunday will represent their first time playing at Goodison. That includes Danish international Madsen, who arrived on Merseyside in January of this year. 

The forward is excited by the opportunity to play at the famous stadium.

"I've seen lots of pictures from the last time the girls played at Goodison and the atmosphere looked incredible," she told Beth Lindop for the Liverpool ECHO. "I was there myself the other day and seeing it for the first time was incredible.

"It's such a cool stadium. You can tell it has so much history so it's going to be so awesome to play there. My parents are coming so it's going to be so nice."