New Delhi: The another edition of the Merseyside derby is around the corner as Everton hosts Liverpool at Goodison Park tonight. The fixture had to be rearranged after Storm Darragh led to its postponement on December 6th and now both clubs got dumped out of the FA Cup at the weekend.
Everton, under the returning David Moyes, are experiencing a resurgence. Three consecutive Premier League wins have propelled them away from the relegation zone, fueled by an impressive eight goals in those games. Their home form has dramatically improved, with a return to attacking flair. However, the Toffees’ recent FA Cup exit at Goodison Park against Bournemouth was a setback. Despite their improved league form, Everton’s historical record against top-of-the-table teams and, specifically against the Reds remains a concern. They will be hoping to replicate last season’s derby win at Goodison.
On the other hand, Liverpool will aim for their 100th league victory over Everton. While they are enjoying a strong league campaign under Arne Slot but the weekend FA Cup upset against Plymouth Argyle exposed vulnerabilities in their squad depth. Slot has big shoes to fill after Klopp’s tenure, particularly regarding the Merseyside derby. A win for Liverpool would significantly boost their title aspirations and will put pressure on the second-placed Arsenal. However, their recent record at Goodison Park isn’t stellar, making this a challenging fixture despite their overall form.
Derby day. COYB! 👊 pic.twitter.com/mpHqUqvkIb
— Everton (@Everton) February 12, 2025
Team News
Everton boss David Moyes went all-in with a strong lineup against Bournemouth last Saturday and is likely to repeat a similar squad for this crucial derby. A couple of tweaks outwide are the most probable changes. Vitalii Mykolenko is a question mark after missing the Bournemouth game with a calf strain but a return would be a welcome boost potentially replacing Ashley Young. Young is well remembered for his red card against Liverpool last season. Jack Harrison is also pushing for a start having impressed with a cameo off the bench against the Cherries. He could take Jesper Lindstrom’s spot on the right. Up front, Beto will continue to lead the line with Calvert-Lewin, Broja, and Chermiti all still unavailable. Unfortunately for the Toffees, Dwight McNeil is also out after a recent minor knee surgery.
Across the park, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to ring the changes, potentially making ten alterations to the side that stumbled at Plymouth. The likely scenario is a return to the starting eleven that demolished Spurs in the EFL Cup semi-final. Luis Diaz, who retained his place for the Plymouth game despite a lacklustre performance should keep his spot. However, Jota, Elliott, and Chiesa are expected to drop out. Salah, Gakpo, and Van Dijk, who were rested entirely for the Plymouth trip will be back in the fold. The one concern for Liverpool is Trent Alexander-Arnold. Slot’s recent comments suggest Arnold might be sidelined for a couple of weeks which would be a major blow for the Reds.
Head-to-Head
The Everton-Liverpool rivalry is dead even all-time at Goodison Park ⚔️
All comes down to tomorrow 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hc272XPd6U
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) February 11, 2025
Liverpool has an impressive historical record in Merseyside derby, having won it 125 times out of 295 matches, while Barca won just 84. Everton won their last Merseyside derby meeting in the Premier League by a scoreline of 2-0 last April while Liverpool have been unbeaten from 12 matches on the trot away against Everton in the Premier League before a 2-0 loss.
Merseyside derby in Premier League have witnessed a total of 23 red cards between the two which is the most in the history of the competition. This meeting will marl the Reds facing Toffees for the third time while being on top of the table in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup
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
When, where, and how to watch the Everton vs Liverpool in India?
As Goodison Park is set to witness the last Merseyside derby, fans can enjoy the action on television on the Star Sports network. Those who prefer to stream can catch the games live on Disney+ Hotstar.
Match Prediction
Liverpool are thriving under Arne Slot this season but will be hurt by their FA Cup defeat. Mohamed Salah has played a key role in his team’s success yet again this season and will definitely look to add to his goal tally at Goodison Park. So far, Everton have blown hot and cold this season and are sitting nine points of the drop zone. The Toffees will not give an easy win to the Reds as they aim to win the last Goodison Park derby.
Final Scoreline: Everton 1-2 Liverpool
All you need to know about the last Merseyside derby match at Goodison Park. But before the action kicks off let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
