LIVERPOOL -- The pressure on Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is par for the course in the Premier League, according to his Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez.
Merseyside's two big sides meet at Goodison Park on Sunday with Rodgers' future the subject of increasing speculation and former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with the Anfield job as has Jurgen Klopp, who left Borussia Dortmund at the end of May.
Martinez appears secure as Everton's manager but has also faced public criticism during his time on Merseyside, particularly as the club struggled in the league last season.
And he said: "I think that pressure is the nature of the game. In the league, we've created so many high expectations ahead of every season. It's something that's normal when you don't win games.
"If you win a game you look forward to the next one. If you don't you're going to be under pressure. That's normal, and we all accept that."
With Steven Gerrard having left Anfield in May and defender Jon Flanagan recovering from a long-term knee injury, Liverpool are likely to field a starting lineup without any players born in the city.
Everton, in contrast, will have homegrown midfielder Ross Barkley in their starting XI.
Martinez feels the local roots of Barkley, who has found his best form again after struggling last season, can be of benefit to Everton.
He said: "It doesn't matter about the nationality or where you're born. It matters how much you love your football club and how much you feel it represents.
"But growing up, that dream of playing and scoring in a derby and performing in front of your fans has an extra significance. We've got our own examples in the dressing room, and you can imagine that football is about creating big moments.
"There's nothing better than achieving a moment that has been building in your head since you were a child."
Martinez, though, is not worried about Barkley getting carried away with the passion of the occasion.
He said: "No, the kit men are the ones you have to keep an eye on because they are the ones who get really excited with 320 stories to tell you about derby days. That's a big difference from the usual buildup to a game.
"In terms of the players, they've been very much focused. We know how important the game is and how difficult the opposition will be on the day. It's about making sure you keep calm and keep focused to help the team."
Centre-back John Stones, still recovering from the knee injury sustained during a 2-1 Capital One Cup third-round win at Reading on Sep. 22, remains a doubt.
Left-back Seamus Coleman, who has missed three matches with a hamstring problem, will also be assessed before Sunday's game. Neither were needed as Everton came from two goals down to win 3-2 at West Brom in the Premier League on Monday.
Martinez said: "I think it's too early to tell whether they will be ready [to face Liverpool]. They're progressing well. In the next two training sessions, we'll get a clearer idea. I wouldn't be able to tell you one way or another at the moment.
"They've progressed well since the West Brom game, and we'll make a decision as late as we can. We're going to leave it probably until the day of the game."