FROM the friendly derby to the dirtiest match in Premier League history. But while the tag has changed to reflect the shifting surrounding landscape, the Merseyside derby remains as intense as ever for Kenny Dalglish.

The 216th running of English football’s oldest local rivalry takes place at Goodison this afternoon with both Everton and Liverpool looking to build on decent starts to the campaign.

Recent history suggests the team that maintains their composure and, more importantly, ends the game with 11 men will claim the bragging rights.

That, though, has proven difficult. In total, 19 players have been sent off – 10 at Goodison – in the 38 Premier League meetings between the clubs, with 10 dismissed in the last 13 clashes. No other fixture comes close to such a hall of shame.

Indeed, should Martin Atkinson not feel the need to add to his tally of five red cards in eight games already this season, it would be the first time in almost seven years that three consecutive derbies had been played without a sending-off.

But the ever-pragmatic Dalglish shrugs his shoulders at suggestions the fixture has become more violent since his first stint as Liverpool manager. Instead, the modern game, and not the derby itself, is to blame.

“I don't know the stats but there didn't used to be many sendings-off when I was playing,” says Dalglish. “I think they sent the ball off a few times, though!

“I just think there's more punishment now if you offend than what there used to be. The fans want to see 11 against 11 on the pitch but at the same time it's easier to be sent off than it used to be before.