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Distin mocks 'begging' Reds: 'I feel sad for them'

Sylvain Distin held his hands up after costing Everton in the 2012 FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool © PA Photos

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Sylvain Distin has gone out of his way to attract the wrath of Liverpool fans ahead of Sunday's Merseyside derby, insisting he "feels sad" for those who have attended Anfield regularly this season.

Everton and Liverpool prepare for a significant battle on Merseyside this weekend, with the Toffees desperate for a victory that would keep alive their hopes of European football next season.

A win would also guarantee they finish above their more illustrious rivals for a second consecutive campaign, although this time it would feel significantly sweeter given the fact Liverpool came out on top of their FA Cup semi-final showdown 12 months ago.

During that Wembley defeat, Distin was at fault for sparking Liverpool's comeback after his poor backpass allowed Luis Suarez to level before Andy Carroll netted a late winner. Now he appears in the mood for revenge.

"My red followers been very quiet this season," Distin tweeted. "I wonder why. Now they beg me for a mistake to make them feel better. I'm feeling sad for them."

Victory for Liverpool would move them within two points of Everton with as many games remaining, and Stewart Downing is convinced the Reds can close the gap despite Suarez's absence due to a suspension. They are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the two clubs, and Downing wants to play on the desperation surrounding the Blues.

"The fact that they haven't won at Anfield for so long has to play on their minds," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I am sure David Moyes will get right amongst them. He must be desperate to beat Liverpool.

"But we don't want that record to end. We did really well against Everton in the three games last season and we would have won at Goodison earlier this season but for Luis Suarez's goal being wrongly disallowed.

"We have to be ready and make sure we start well. It will be a good test for us and it will be tight with battles all over the pitch, but we're confident we can get another win."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.