Everton FC

Everton have offered “full support” to manager Rafael Benitez following the departure of director of football Marcel Brands. Brands' exit from his post was confirmed in the late hours of Sunday night.

There seems to be an air of inevitability for Rafa Benitez as the Merseyside derby looms on Wednesday night. Just two years ago, a desperately struggling Everton came into the derby in December already sleepwalking towards the relegation zone.

With the Merseyside derby on the horizon, many Reds fans will hope their team can carry on their deadly recent form.  Their rivals across Stanley Park will have a different plan.

The Merseyside derby is one of English Football's biggest fixtures and rivalries. Dubbed "The Friendly derby", it used to be one of the only derbies that did not enforce segregation in stadiums, allowing Blues and Reds fans to gather together.

Another Merseyside derby takes place this week - the 239th clash. But this one will carry a little more meaning as former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez sits in the opposite dugout at Goodison Park for the first one since he joined Everton.

An impressive first-half from Everton Under 23s was enough to defeat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 thanks to goals from Lewis Dobbin and Reece Welch at Goodison Park. A few familiar Everton faces in James Vaughan, David Weir and Leighton Baines watched on from the stands as the hosts moved up into 8th place.

Everton fans have solidified their support for manager Rafa Benitez despite Sunday's defeat to Manchester City. With Everton struggling to put together any type of form, it begs the question if Benitez is the right man for the job.

A third straight defeat for the Blues and another poor performance as Everton were beaten 2-1 away at Wolves. Here's out we rated the Toffees players:

Everton boss Rafa Benitez is searching for his first win in four games with a difficult away game at an inform Wolves side. Benitez is becoming under more and more scrutiny, especially after his side conceded five goals at Goodison Park to a Watford team only sat 16th in the table.

Liverpool Under 18s thrashed Everton Under 18s 4-0 in the Merseyside derby at The Academy in Kirkby. Goals from James McConnell, Oakley Cannonier, Bobby Clark and Stefan Bajcetic gave the hosts a comfortable win in a magnificent display from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's team.