DAVID MOYES has urged his Everton players to show they have the guile to go with their grit as they seek a first win at Anfield in almost a decade.

The Goodison outfit make the short journey across Stanley Park for the 209th Merseyside derby buoyed by a rich vein of form.

Since the dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa on December 7, Everton have embarked on a six-game unbeaten during which they have not conceded a goal.

The sequence is all the more commendable given the continued absence of senior strikers Yakubu, Louis Saha and James Vaughan through injury.

Everton’s resources will be even further stretched tonight as Marouane Fellaini, who has been impressive as a makeshift forward alongside Tim Cahill, begins a two-match suspension that also keeps the Belgian out of the FA Cup fourth round tie at Anfield next Sunday.

And while Moyes believes no other team in the Premier League can boast as indomitable a team spirit, he has challenged his Everton players to prove they possess more than just a strong bond.

“If the Premier League was based on spirit, I think Everton would be top,” said the Goodison manager. “I don’t think there is any question about that.

“It’s really noticeable about the side. It’s something which is a big part of winning games and having a successful team. But I think there are times when we have been under-mentioned in terms of our play.

“The football we have played recently has been very good. The results are speaking for themselves and anyone who is watching us would say that we have played some good football. We are attempting to do that and we are trying to get better.

“We are not for one minute attempting to say that we are the top dogs. But when it comes to spirit and when it comes to a group, I know for a fact that there is nobody who will top that.”

Of tonight’s game, Moyes added: “We have got to have the courage to take the ball and to play under pressure. A lot of that comes from having confidence and hopefully we will be able to show it in this one. I don’t think we have shown it in the last two games against them.

“That’s what I’m hoping for. I want to see more composure, a more controlled game. But, again, it always comes back to the quality of the opposition you are play against. They can have a big effect on what you do yourself.”

Moyes has yet to win at Anfield after six previous visits, but does not expect his players to be daunted by the trip to a ground at which Everton have avoided defeat on nine of their last 14 visits.