Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, denies shift in power on Merseyside

Brendan Rodgers: 'For us it has always been about finishing as high as we can, knowing this year was the year for building the base. But I don't believe there is a shift in power.' (Liverpool FC/Getty Images)

Liverpool's manager, Brendan Rodgers, does not accept that finishing behind Everton for a second year running would indicate a shift in power on Merseyside. There is a five-point gap between the clubs going into today's game, and even a home win would not make Liverpool favourites to beat their neighbours to sixth place.

Rodgers said: "This is a club which traditionally has been the top side here for however many years. It is still the top club here.

"But for us it has always been about finishing as high as we can, knowing this year was the year for building the base. But I don't believe there is a shift in power."

Liverpool have not finished below Everton in successive seasons in the same division since 1937, when both were in the bottom six of the First Division. Since Everton won the League in 1987, they have only finished above the Reds twice.