Derby stats count for nothing says Everton boss Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez says it is an irrelevance that Liverpool are likely to start Sunday's derby at Goodison Park without a Merseyside-born player in their starting XI.

And the Everton boss is equally unconcerned about his club's recent history in this often fiery encounter, in which the Blues have managed just one Premier League victory in their last 17 attempts.

Everton last beat Liverpool in 2010 but Martinez said: "Obviously, you can look at the stats over the years.

"But I don't think we should really look into anything further than just trying to have a really good home game.

"Our last home game against Chelsea was probably one where we set the standards in many aspects. The way we started, the way we performed throughout, the atmosphere and the way the fans created a perfect environment for us to play football.

We haven't been that successful in the last 17 fixtures but I don't think that is something we are going to take into Sunday's game.

"We haven't been that successful in the last 17 fixtures in the derby, but I don't think that is something we are going to take into Sunday's game.

"It is about how good we can be and how much we can create a special atmosphere like we did in the previous home game."

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With Steven Gerrard now departed Anfield, Liverpool are short of homegrown first-choice stars but the Spaniard added: "I think it is important to have good players enjoying their moment, and the nationality or where they were born doesn't matter.

"But I do think growing up and having that dream of playing in, performing in and scoring in a derby in front of your fans has an extra significance.

"Obviously we have our own examples in the dressing room and there is nothing better than achieving a moment in football that has been building in your head since you were a child."

Watch Everton take on Liverpool live on Sky this Sunday lunchtime.