Pochettino targets derby day glory

Roberto Martinez believes Everton and Liverpool head into today’s Merseyside derby in similar shape after stuttering starts to the season.

The previous campaign was a stellar one for both clubs, as Liverpool almost clinched their first Premier League title in 24 years, while Everton mounted a serious challenge for Uefa Champions League qualification before eventually finishing fifth and settling for a place in Europa.

The 2014/15 season has not gone to plan so far, with Everton winning just once in their opening five top-flight encounters, while their city rivals have lost three of their games to fall seven points behind leaders Chelsea at this early stage.

Ahead of the clash at Anfield, where Everton have not won since 1999 and were hammered 4-0 last season, Martinez believes both clubs are taking time to adjust with new-look squads and a more hectic schedule.

“Every team changes when you change personnel,” he said. “You need to find different ways of playing and there is a little bit of adaptation with European football because we’re both going through the same period.

“It’s early in the season and it’s about adapting to those demands and having different players and new ways of playing because obviously Luis Suarez was very significant. “The game is going to be exciting. I think this one is building up to being a very good game. It’s only three points, but three points that are very, very important for both sides.” Martinez still has doubts over the fitness of Steven Pienaar (groin) and Seamus Coleman (head injury).

Mauricio Pochettino is ready to wrestle control of north London football from Arsenal - starting with a win at the Emirates today.

The 42-year-old will take charge of his first game against the Gunners since being appointed as head coach at White Hart Lane in the summer and has already seen how much the derby means to Tottenham supporters.

Spurs have won just twice at Arsenal in the Premier League era and have suffered some heavy defeats in recent years - but Pochettino is targeting a win this weekend as he looks to guide the club above Arsenal in the table for the first time in 19 years.

“We are ambitious,” he said when asked about finishing above Tottenham’s fiercest rivals.

“We (the new coaching team) arrived three months ago and we need to make our way but we are focused on the game and know the history. But it is also important to write the history, starting now. After a run of three draws, the Gunners beat Aston Villa.

Liverpool vs. Everton, SS3 2.4 5pm
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa, SS7 5pm
Crystal Palace vs. Leicester, 5pm
Hull City vs. Man City, SS5 5pm
Man Utd vs. West Ham, SS3 5pm
Southampton vs. QPR, 5pm
Sunderland vs. Swansea City, 5pm
Arsenal vs. Spurs, SS3 7.30pm