Everton winger Theo Walcott relishing his first Merseyside derby

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Theo Walcott cannot wait to get on the pitch and face Liverpool as Everton welcome their local rivals to Goodison Park on Saturday.

Theo Walcott will come up against an old teammate in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Everton play host to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

The Ox made the switch to Merseyside at the beginning of the season while Walcott followed suit in January joining Everton, with both impressing so far.

Walcott, who has bagged three goals in nine appearances so far for the Toffees, is not unfamiliar with big derby encounters, having played in his fair share of North London derbies during his time as an Arsenal player. However, the 28-year-old is now relishing the opportunity to experience another famous rivalry in front of a home crowd, and will be looking to make full use of any Champions League hangover Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool may have.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Walcott said: “It’ll be a very passionate game. I’ll be relaxed until I step off the coach and get into the dressing room.

“That’s when my game face is on. Up to this point it doesn’t matter what has happened this season. This is the game and it’s my first derby here. I can’t wait.”

Walcott and co will have a huge task on their hands, having lost convincingly to Manchester City last week, only for the runaway leaders to get destroyed themselves by Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The midfield will be a key area, with Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin seemingly unable to deal with the threat from City. However, with youngster Tom Davies returning to the side, the centre of the pitch should be somewhat shored up for the Toffees.

Nevertheless, Walcott admitted he is enjoying his football again, having started to lose his way at the Emirates in an under-performing Arsenal side.

Should the winger continue to deliver strong performances in what remains of the campaign, he may well have done enough to book a spot on the plane to Russia as part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.