Everton and Liverpool face off in a historic Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, marking the final Premier League clash between the two at this iconic venue.
Originally scheduled for December but postponed due to Storm Darragh, this highly anticipated encounter carries significant emotional weight for Everton fans as they bid farewell to one of English football’s most storied fixtures at their home ground.
Everton have found new life under returning manager David Moyes, winning three consecutive league matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Leicester City.
These victories have propelled them nine points clear of the relegation zone, with an improved goal difference further securing their survival prospects.
Despite this upturn in form, Everton’s record against Liverpool remains concerning, having won just six of their last 54 meetings since 2000.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are pushing for the Premier League title and are currently at the top of the table.
However, they will be looking to bounce back after a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.
New manager Arne Slot takes charge of his first Merseyside derby, aiming to continue the Reds’ dominance over their city rivals.
A victory here would take Liverpool nine points clear of Arsenal, reinforcing their title credentials.
Team News
Everton: Moyes is expected to stick with a strong lineup similar to the one fielded in their FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth.
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko could return from a calf injury, replacing Ashley Young. Jack Harrison may start on the right after an impressive cameo off the bench.
Up front, Beto is set to lead the attack in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti. Everton will also be without Dwight McNeil, who recently underwent minor knee surgery.
Liverpool: Slot is likely to make wholesale changes from the team that lost to Plymouth, reverting to the XI that thrashed Spurs 4-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg.
Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk return to the squad after being rested, but Trent Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined due to injury.
Luis Diaz, who struggled against Plymouth, is expected to keep his place, while Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa could drop to the bench.
Possible Lineups
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
