Everton boss Rafa Benitez hailed as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous’ by ex Man United star, Patrice Evra

Embattled Everton boss Rafa Benitez has found an unlikely supporter in former Manchester United star Patrice Evra, ahead of the Merseyside derby.

Benitez is preparing to take his struggling side into battle tonight at home against their in-form arch rivals, and his former club, Liverpool.

Despite a bright start at Goodison Park, during which Everton won four out of six Premier League matches, the Spaniard failed to win over sceptical Blues’ fans and now there is open hostility from some quarters.

Everton manager Rafa Benitez takes his struggling  side into a tough Merseyside derby tonight

It all piles pressure on Benitez and his players, who will have their work cut out to contain the Reds. Liverpool have scored two or more goals in 17 consecutive games.

Everton, on the other hand, have not won in seven matches, taking just two points from a possible 21, and have slipped to 14th – six points off the bottom three.

But Evra, who will be covering the match for Amazon Prime Video, admires Benitez for his tactical nous and his bravery in swapping the red half of Liverpool for the blue.

‘Rafa is a true tactician, but I’m really surprised about him joining Everton,’ said Evra, who played for the Red Devils from 2006 to 2014, and was speaking at Amazon’s Black Friday Live event.

Amazon Prime Video pundit and ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra has hailed Benitez as ‘courageous’ for switching from the red half of Liverpool to the Blue to take over at Everton

‘I don’t know what reception he’ll get, playing against his old club is brave. It’s going to be electric.’

Evra, who won five and lost three Premier League encounters against Liverpool during Benitez’s Anfield reign from 2004-10, has had concerns over the Spaniard’s Everton appointment since early in the season.

The former United full back was asked about the switch in early October.

‘He’s a courageous man, I couldn’t believe it until I saw it,’ said Evra. ‘He did such a good job for Liverpool; I don’t think the Everton fans will forget that. As soon as he makes a mistake – that will be the reason that fans will use.’

After a poor run that is exactly where Benitez finds himself 13 games into his Everton reign, with fans booing the players following their 1-0 defeat at Brentford on Sunday and #AgentRafa re-emerging on Twitter.

Everton keeper Jordan Pickford played well at Brentford and will need another good display

Everton’s run without a win stretches back to September 25, but a result against Liverpool would lift the mood for players, manager and fans, even if the latter’s anger and frustration with the club’s hierarchy runs deep.

‘We need a result in the derby and if we can have it against Liverpool, it will be great for the fans and we can come back and have a strong run,’ Benitez told Everton TV.

Benitez spell in charge of Everton has been complicated by a squad that has been assembled at huge expense by five different managers.

On top of that there have been injuries to players down the spine of the team, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a painful absentee and Abdoulaye Doucoure also mostly missing since September, although he returned on Sunday.

Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure (r) is returning from injury which will boost Everton

Yerry Mina has missed the last six league games, although Richarlison will return tonight after suspension.

‘It is a question of confidence, missing players but you could see what we were capable of doing at the beginning of the season,’ Benitez said. ‘When we have everyone available, I am confident we will do it again.’

Watch Patrice Evra’s Q&A at Amazon’s Black Friday Live. The Merseyside derby will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video tonight, kick-off 8.15pm.