AUTHOR: JOHN ALDRIDGE

No matter how old and cynical you get, how long in the tooth, the way you feel during Merseyside derby week never changes.

It's that unmistakeable mix of fear and excitement. When you love your club, derby week can be both a joy and a nightmare.

I'm no different. I might be knocking on a bit now - no jokes, please - but I still get that same feeling. I still get the butterflies and the stomach cramps. It still matters to me.Defeat in the derby is something you dare not contemplate. It can make the next few months a whole lot less enjoyable, I know that.

But I have to say I'm looking forward to Saturday's game, from a footballing point of view.

If the last Merseyside derby, back in May, was probably the worst game I can remember, this should be a cracker.

It's an important one for Liverpool. Our start to the season has been excellent, but after that defeat to Arsenal I think there is a need to prove ourselves in a big game. And they don't come much bigger than Everton at Goodison Park.

I've been impressed by what I've seen of Everton under Roberto Martinez. They might not be banging goals in left, right and centre but they are still a solid outfit, and they play a lot more expansively than they did under David Moyes.

To me, the key for Liverpool is finding a way to stop Romelu Lukaku. He's the main threat they carry, and if you nullify him, I think you nullify Everton.

Lukaku terrified Liverpool twice last season, whilst playing for West Brom. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will be well aware of the big Belgian's abilities.

Liverpool haven't been shipping too many goals, but they haven't been keeping too many clean sheets either. The shutout against Fulham last time was useful, but Everton will be a different proposition.

That said, at the other end of the field, I'm sure Roberto Martinez and his staff are similarly concerned. Because Liverpool have not one, but two strikers capable of winning the game on their own.

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will, naturally, have big roles to play, but it could be Philippe Coutinho who holds the key.

At Anfield in May, Everton did a great job of shutting down the Brazilian. They denied him space, and stopped Liverpool's supply line.

I assume they will try to do the same again. Coutinho will know now that he won't get the time and space he enjoyed against Fulham. He will have to quicken his game and make sure he has an influence on proceedings.

Goodison is a bear pit. It's one of the noisiest, most intimidating stadiums around, so you can't carry passengers.

Fortunately, I fancy Coutinho to have a massive say on derby day. Though it should be a terrific game, either way.

Brendan Rodgers has shown in recent weeks that he is not afraid to change things round when he feels necessary.

Well I think there is one adjustment he needs to make for Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Jose Enrique has to come back into the starting line-up for me, ahead of Aly Cissokho.

Enrique gives us better balance, both defensively and in attack, and he knows what is expected. I think he will start at Goodison.

We all know the unique worldwide appeal of Liverpool, but even I was surprised at what I found when I went to South Africa with the former players' association (www.5times.co) last week.

What an experience! We had 30,000 supporters watching our game against Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. Manchester City's first team only got 10,000!

I went to a signing session with Robbie Fowler, and there were 3,000 supporters there. I've never seen anything like it.

It was a humbling experience, and one that reminds you just how special Liverpool Football Club is, and how loved it is all over the world.

All in all, it was a great few days. I can't wait for the next trip!

OK, confession time. I wasn't just in South Africa to play golf, meet Liverpool supporters and enjoy a few pints with some great lads.

We also had a game to play, and it was some game too. We played Kaizer Chiefs on Friday, and there were goals galore.

Patrik Berger, who still looks like he could be playing professionally, scored four for the Legends team, but we drew 5-5.

And unfortunately, we lost 4-2 after a penalty shootout. Here's the confession; I missed mine.

It's only the second time I've missed in a Liverpool shirt. The other, of course, was in 1988 against Wimbledon at Wembley. It was a poor penalty.

In my defence, though....no, there is no defence.

Source: Liverpool Echo