Andy Spence: Expects tough double-header against Liverpool

But he has called on his players to lay down a marker against the reigning FA Women's Super League champions this Saturday, the first of two games between the clubs in the space of four days.

The prize on offer is a place in the FA Cup semi-finals against either Portsmouth or Notts County in May.

Then the two sides will resume battle in the FA WSL Continental Cup and Spence is relishing the prospect of testing Everton's mettle against the old enemy next week.

"When the draw took place you knew you were going to face another WSL 1 team and in years gone by we have been drawn against Liverpool a number of times," he said.

"It was no great surprise when it came out that way, and it's exciting for us to be facing the league champions - it's an opportunity for us to show what we've got and compete against the very best.

"We have got to treat both games in isolation and give respect to both competitions. The first one is the FA Cup quarter-final - then we're a game away from a potential final, so there's no bigger incentive to show how well we can play."

Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner admits the draw could not have been better, and she says the rivalry should bring the best out of both sides.

"We are all really looking forward to it," she said. "A derby gives it that bit of extra spice, and they don't get much bigger than Liverpool versus Everton.

"It's going to be a tough game, no doubt, and the fact that it is a cup game means form goes out of the window. Anything can happen, and they've got a few good players, but at this stage of the competition they are all big games whoever you play.

"They will want to turn us over regardless of what happened last season, but the fact we are reigning champions gives it something else as well, we both have good sides and it will be a battle."