Wayne Rooney Delivers Explosive Warning Ahead of Fiery Liverpool vs. Everton Clash

Wayne Rooney is expressing confidence that Everton can secure a favorable outcome in Saturday's Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool.

Despite Liverpool being strong favorites—a position justified by their flawless beginning to their Premier League championship campaign—Everton approach the match with optimism after collecting seven points from their opening four fixtures, remaining undefeated since their loss to Leeds United on the season's first matchday.

Everton haven't triumphed over Liverpool at Anfield since 1999, yet Rooney believes it wouldn't be shocking to witness that run conclude this Saturday.

"I believe clearly the new venue has contributed to [the confidence] and I think the major factor is David Moyes returning," the ex-Everton forward shared on The Wayne Rooney Show.

"He's returned. He understands the club. He comprehends the football club's culture and then I believe the acquisitions have been excellent. They appear threatening now, Everton, in attack with [Jack] Grealish and [Charly] Alcaraz, they seem very menacing going forward, Everton, and sturdy defensively too.

"So yes, I believe Everton can travel there and achieve something. They must perform at their peak and defend collectively and be difficult to overcome. But Moyes's squads typically accomplish that. Hopefully we can secure all three points. [I would] accept a tie, [I would] accept a tie."

Rooney was unable to secure victory in any of his seven derby encounters during his two tenures with Everton, acknowledging the match pressure was unparalleled to anything else he encountered.

"I despised it," he revealed. "We didn't triumph in many, so when you do win them, you must ensure you savor it.

"The preparation for the match, the entire week was dreadful. Being at the training facility and, as an Evertonian, getting ready and preparing for the fixture and all the personnel around the training ground who are Evertonians. You feel nauseated because if you lose the match Liverpool mock you.

"When I returned the second time to Everton, I had to ensure I had all the televisions switched off and there was nothing on the screens about the match, the preparation for the fixture, just to attempt and dismiss it that week. Enter the game not being overly concerned about it.

"It's a huge match, and if you triumph there's no superior sensation."