Brilliant photos as fans arrive for derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The 248th meeting between the city rivals will mark a historic occasion as Everton play host to Liverpool for the first time at their new stadium on the waterfront.

Beyond the usual bragging rights, it is a huge match. Victory for Everton would lift them up to sixth in the table and just two points behind their fifth-placed neighbours, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

But should Liverpool emerge triumphant in their maiden trip to their rivals' new waterfront home, that would lift them seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.

A draw would not be a bad result for either team but the momentum gained by winning would be huge going into the final five games of the campaign.

Ahead of the match, fans arrived early to soak up the atmosphere for the big match, including an impassioned welcome for Everton's team bus. The ECHO was there to capture some of the action.

Below are some fab photos taken by our Liverpool Echo photographer Iain Watts as the celebrations got underway.