| LEE: LET'S STOP HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF
It might have been almost 18 years ago, but the memories of Liverpool's last FA Cup encounter with Everton are still vivid for most Scouse football fans.
The tie took nine goals and more than 300 minutes to decide before Everton ran out 1-0 winners in a second replay at Goodison. But it is the first replay which will live longest in the memory, as goals from Peter Beardsley (2), John Barnes and Ian Rush ensured a pulsating encounter ended 4-4 after extra-time.
The face of English football has changed more than that of your average X-Factor judge in the intervening years as the money filtered through the Premier League has taken effect. These days Merseyside derbies are usually tighter affairs.
One man who won't be putting any money on a repeat of the 1990-91 goalfest is Sammy Lee, though Liverpool's assistant manager is fully aware of the anticipation gripping Merseyside.
"I don't like conceding four goals to anyone - certainly not Everton," says Lee, who, having left Anfield, was in his final year as a professional the last time Liverpool faced Everton twice in a week.
"It was a rollercoaster game. I think these games will be very exciting and competitive. Whether that leads to the same number of goals - well I hope it does for us, not them.
"I look forward to each and every game but they are our nearest rivals. A lot of my friends and family are Evertonians, so it's going to be a great period for us."
While Liverpool need no incentive in their fight for a first Premier League title, it could be argued that two seasons without a major trophy will provide extra motivation when the Reds take on the Blues in the Cup.
Not for Sammy Lee, though.
"We don't need any more incentives to win football matches," he argues. "We go out to win each and every game - our fans expect that and our players demand it.
"We try to win every game and competition we're in. It doesn't always work out like that - look at last weekend. But we always go into games looking to win. I don't mean for that to sound conceited, but we know the expectations on this squad."
One man who needs no encouragement to score against Everton is Fernando Torres, who has found the net on both occasions he has faced the Toffees.
"I've got too much respect for Everton or any of our counterparts to say they'd be scared of Fernando," adds Lee, when asked if David Moyes will be losing sleep over the return to fitness of the world's top striker.
"You'll have to ask them if they are scared, but they will certainly be aware of him. He'd frighten me if I was playing against him but I can't talk about what our opponents fear. All I can say to you is that he's a class player and, whoever he plays against, they'll be aware of him and his strengths."
While the majority of Kopites already have their mind on next week's derby double header, the club's Academy are preparing for the biggest game of their season so far - tonight's FA Youth Cup clash with Bristol Rovers.
Lee will be watching live on LFC TV if not the stands and is all too aware of the role the Youth Cup plays in the development of aspiring footballers.
"I follow it very closely because it's our future. It's very important in their development because the games are more high profile than those they normally play in," says the Scouser.
"It's more competitive football against opposition they wouldn't usually face. It's crucial in their development."
Lee was himself the product of an apprenticeship at Anfield - so what advice would he give to the current crop of Academy starlets hoping to become the next Steven Gerrard?
"Always enjoy," says the 49-year-old. "You have to work hard and always enjoy it. They are developing whatever skills they have every day at the Academy but it's about enjoying football, and if you work hard you will enjoy your football."
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*blush*