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Everton boss Roberto Martinez will not rest players for Merseyside derby

Everton players celebrate the goal scored by Ramiro Funes Mori
Image: Everton's indifferent form has seen them struggle for consistency in the Premier League this season

Roberto Martinez does not intend to rest Everton players for Wednesday's Merseyside derby even though it comes just three days before an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United.

Martinez, confronted by a furious supporter during Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Southampton, is under increasing pressure from fans after erratic performances in the league this season which has seen Everton slip to 11th in the table.

The Toffees' last chance of glory this season is the FA Cup, but Martinez says he will not be making radical changes with local honour at stake against Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

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Everton support team carry off a pitch invaider during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at
Image: Security were forced to intervene when a fan confronted Martinez

"I don't think you can switch on and off," Martinez said. "You have to perform well before you go to a semi-final. You can't just say: 'Okay, let's switch it on. We are going to play well.' It doesn't work like that.

"You have to create a competitive nature in every game you go into."

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Manchester United are also in Premier League action on Wednesday when they host Crystal Palace.

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