As Everton’s famous ground prepares to host Liverpool for one last time, Jarrad Branthwaite can't help but think back to the last time his side played host to their rivals. Goodison Park hosts its final Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, and, not for the first time, there is a familiar feeling to the game.

The Reds make the trip across Stanley Park with the Premier League title in their sights. Arne Slot’s side currently sit six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand. A win at Goodison will move them one step closer to a 20th league crown.

But Liverpool have been here before. Just last year the Reds arrived at Goodison, admittedly trailing Arsenal and eventual champions Manchester City in the table, but by the end of the game, their hopes of sending Jurgen Klopp off into the Mallorca sun with another league title winners medal were over.

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“I think it was extra special that night, but we have had that winning feeling in the last three games [before Bournemouth], so that feeling we need to take into that game and have full belief that we can get a result,” Branthwaite replied when asked if he was craving the feeling he felt after last season’s April derby.

“We have played against some top teams in the past four or five games; we have went head-to-head with them and picked up points, so we can do it. Like I say, we just need to dust ourselves down and go again.

“Wednesday is a massive game, and it is a game that I will look forward to, and I think everyone looks forward to. It is going to be tough, but we have done it before, so let's take confidence into this game and look forward to it.”

Branthwaite was speaking in the immediate aftermath of Everton’s FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth. Two first-half goals ensured that the club’s wait for silverware will go on.

But while bouncing back and returning to winning ways is at the forefront of the England international’s mind, one thing that isn’t is ending Liverpool’s title hopes. Blues supporters have taken great delight in watching their rivals slip in recent years, but that is a feeling not felt by Everton's players.

“No, it is just another game," Branthwaite replies when asked if the feelings of supporters extend to Everton's players. “It is obviously a big game, but we are going there just looking to win and put on a performance, not only for the fans but for ourselves.

“You can see the sort of change we have had in the past three/four games, so hopefully we just continue that.

“It is the Merseyside derby, it is another game that we are looking to win, that’s it. If you build it up too much, then you can fall under the pressure, if you know what I mean, so I think for us as players, we are going into it with the belief that we can [get a] result like last season.

“If you go into it bigging it up, it is a Merseyside derby, all the pressure is on, and everyone is watching; then you probably won’t play your best, so like I say, it is another game, we need to go out and perform and see what we can do."

But one thing Branthwaite is willing to admit is that Wednesday night’s game will have a different feeling to it, given it will be the last time Everton host their rivals at their famous old ground.

“I think it will, for the fans especially,” he said. “I think for the players, it obviously is the last season at Goodison, but it is a game at the end of the day.

“We have a job to do, but it will be different for the fans. I think they will create that atmosphere, but it is for us to go out there and do a job. It is a massive game, and I think everyone knows how big the game is.

“Like I said, the last game when we played them last season, that atmosphere, we need to recreate that and need to get everyone on our side and have a bit of momentum going into it and see what happens.”