Preston manager Alan Irvine intends to use his knowledge from being assistant manager of Everton to shock Liverpool.

Irvine left Goodison Park in November 2007 after a spell as David Moyes' right-hand man to take up the managerial hot seat at Preston and is quietly confident North End will benefit from his knowledge of the Reds from Merseyside derby fixtures.

Challenging for promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship is Irvine's priority for Preston - who are a point outside the play-off places - but he is also relishing the chance to pit himself against Rafael Benitez's side in the third-round clash at Deepdale this evening.

"It's a huge game for us and a great opportunity for our lads and to play against currently the best team in the country," Irvine said.

"I do have the extra advantage as it were to have seen Liverpool at close quarters on a number of occasions preparing against them while I was at Everton.

"All we can do is prepare for the way Liverpool like to play - we know a lot about their players because they are top players and household names who we have seen a lot of.

"Liverpool are a top-class team. They are well organised and disciplined and within that team they have some great individuals who can win a game at any moment but we know there are shocks in the FA Cup and we hope there will be one in this game."

Irvine continued: "It's disrespectful to say we're just turning up to make up the numbers, we'll be turning up and putting in a performance to try and get into the next round of the FA Cup.

"They are a top-class team but we're not turning up as lambs to the slaughter and of course more often that not Liverpool will beat Preston.

"It's a great day for everybody but it can't all be about the build-up and the fact the stadium will be full with a great atmosphere. It has to be about what happens on the pitch and we have to make sure we give a good account of ourselves."

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor - who left Anfield for Preston in August 2006 - is also relishing the chance to face the Barclays Premier League leaders.

"Obviously because I played for Liverpool I have a lot of history there and I enjoyed my time with the club, but I'm an opponent when we play them and I will be doing my utmost for Preston," Mellor added.

"All the lads are fired up, it will be a tough game for Liverpool - and with the way we've been playing it will be closer than people might think.

"Everyone is expecting us to be turned over convincingly but the lads don't think that at all. We're fired up for the game and we're aware that Barnsley beat Liverpool last season and there's no reason why we can't cause an upset this weekend."