The 245th Merseyside Derby pits Everton against Liverpool at Goodison Park this Saturday. This highly anticipated Premier League clash will mark the final derby at Goodison before Everton’s historic move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium next season.
Match Preview
Emotional Farewell for the Fans of Everton
This game is incredibly meaningful to Everton’s supporters since they will no longer have the privilege of hosting their league derbies at Goodison Park. Together with their final home match against Southampton later this season, this encounter presents a symbolic moment for the storied history the club has had at the iconic venue.
After a torrid five-game winless streak, Everton responded with a convincing 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek. The timely victory moved them up to 15th in the table, five points ahead of the relegation places. Still, tough trips to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City are still on the horizon, so this local derby has taken on even greater importance.
Still, Everton’s improved form makes the task tough for them. The Toffees have not won consecutive matches against Liverpool since the 1984-85 season when they lifted the English championship.
Liverpool’s Quest for Derby Supremacy
Liverpool goes into this with complete favoritism. Having lost just three in their 21 outings, under the management of Arne Slot, the Reds are ominous prospects. Having wasted leads earlier in a frustrating draw off Newcastle United mid-week for 3-3 owing to a late aberration, Liverpool’s potent attacking has given them immense reasons.
Liverpool has traditionally bossed this encounter, as they have emerged winners in 48 of the 54 league meetings between these teams since 2000. With some recent defensive problems-letting in a few goals each in the last four road matches-the form and depth give them the upper hand. Let’s have a look at each side.
Team News
Everton Updates
Attacking Options: Armando Broja came in and immediately impressed midweek, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin also stays in the team after his movements forced Craig Dawson to score two own goals for Wolves.
Injuries: Youssef Chermiti remains out, while James Garner and Tim Iroegbuman are doubts as this week becomes hectic.
Liverpool News
Defensive Concerns: Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are out, but Joe Gomez could drop out for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jarrell Quansah could be alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back.
Goalkeeper Decision: Alisson could be back in goal more quickly than anticipated after Caoimhin Kelleher’s midweek error.
Other Absences: Alexis Mac Allister is banned, while Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are both unlikely to play.
The Premier League’s top scorer this season, Mohamed Salah, continues to be the spearhead of Liverpool’s attack. The brilliance of the Egyptian forward is what will help the Reds nail a win to keep their position at the top tight.
Predicted Lineups
Everton Starting XI:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Ndiaye, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
Liverpool Starting XI:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
