Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Hull - the Toffees' sixth in a run of 10 matches which has seen them win just once - left Moyes fuming at the lack of commitment.

A derby against your nearest neighbours and closest rivals is not an occasion for weak hearts and fragile minds and the Everton boss has left his squad in no doubt as to what he expects with the side just four points above the relegation zone before today's games.

"I think a few home truths have been told. I always protect the players but there are times when the players have to take responsibility," said Moyes.

"If you get a chance to play for Everton in a derby you expect to be extra committed but maybe if you play for Everton you always have to be committed.

"Unfortunately I had to question one or two in midweek. I think there were moments of bad luck in the Hull defeat but you earn your luck by showing a bit of energy.

"Hull showed that in the first half and we didn't. In the second half we had no choice but to show it and that is the disappointing part - you want your players to show it from the first minute.

"I am responsible as I've brought all the players to the club, it is my team, and I'll stand united with them all the time.

"But when they cross the line they are the ones who have to take responsibility for their jobs, their decisions and what they do on the field.

"That is the way I'm hoping they will see it because that is what we need; them to take responsibility when they cross the white line.

"The players in the team have a great chance to stake their claim."

Midfielder Tim Cahill claims the team are missing the steadying presence of captain Phil Neville, who has been out since mid-September and underwent a minor knee operation this week.

In his absence Moyes has looked for more from his experienced players but admits so far they have come up short.

"Leaders are really hard to come by so I'm looking forward to seeing the ones who can step up to the mark," said the Everton boss.

"There were encouraging signs originally when it (Neville's injury) happened but now we need to see if one or two of them can take on the mantle and show it.

"I've seen one or two who can do that but I've seen one or two who not only have to step up their responsibility but need to step up their performance."

At least Moyes has more selection options for the visit of Liverpool with Marouane Fellaini and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov returning from suspension.

With fellow midfielder Steven Pienaar playing 90 minutes against the Tigers - his first action for two months after a knee injury - Everton are getting stronger.

"Having a couple of players back from suspension has helped. They are both international footballers," said Moyes.

"Steven is a really good player and it was good to have him back. He is important to us and hopefully he will hope make that difference."