Mascherano relishing derby test

The Argentinian midfielder was left on the bench on Monday when Liverpool at times found themselves out-muscled by Everton in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Anfield. Now battle lines are being drawn again for this weekend's fourth-round clash, with Mascherano likely to be recalled by manager Rafael Benitez.

He said: "I like playing against Everton. Every tackle matters and you have to be brave in every tackle and every situation.

The Anfield chief may also bring back defender Daniel Agger and full-back Alvaro Arbeloa for the match. But it is Mascherano's recall that is most expected - and the 25 year-old is primed for battle.

Mascherano added: "I love this kind of game where first you have to win the physical battle before you can think about winning the match."

Liverpool surprisingly reverted to a 4-4-2 formation against Everton on Monday, with Mascherano left out in favour of a central midfield of Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard.

Everton skipper Phil Neville, playing in midfield, produced a destructive performance that Liverpool could well counter by bringing back Mascherano. They also seem likely to push Gerrard further forward in support of Fernando Torres, with Robbie Keane again consigned to the bench. And Mascherano would relish the challenge.

He said: "At Anfield the crowd roars you on and you just feel that you can't come off the pitch with anything left.

"You have to give everything to make sure Liverpool get the right result.

"When the game is the FA Cup, it is even more important because we want to go far in this competition."