DAVID MOYES believes Liverpool are now paying the price for a “decade of overspending” with Everton primed to threaten their Merseyside dominance.

The two sides meet at Anfield for the 213th derby in today’s early Premier League kick-off with both sides striving to continue their improved recent form after a disappointing first half to the campaign.

Liverpool have struggled to meet expectations after last season’s runners-up finish, with manager Rafael Benitez forced to work within financial restraints by the troubles of co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett in repaying the club’s debt.

It is a situation with which Moyes has grown accustomed in recent transfer windows with Everton desperately seeking fresh investment.

And the Goodison manager reckons the tightening of the purse strings at Anfield has given his side an opportunity to prompt a shift in power on Merseyside.

“I still think we are underdogs,” said Moyes. “But they have had a decade of overspending and because of it we have found it difficult to match that. Now, though, maybe it’s changing for them. Maybe they’re going to have to be in a similar situation to Everton.

“Look, they’re a really good footballing club with some great players. I don’t know what the future holds for then, but for eight or nine years we have had to deal at a different level, yet be judged on equal terms on the pitch, and because of things changing, then maybe things are a lot closer now.”

Everton go into today’s game on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run and their injury crisis having almost cleared, with only Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Tony Hibbert now sidelined.