The Merseyside Derby returns on Wednesday night. Liverpool hosts Everton at Anfield, marking the second clash between the rivals in just two months.
In their previous meeting at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute equalizer salvaged a point for Everton in a thrilling encounter. However, that result hasn’t slowed Liverpool’s momentum as they continue to push hard in the Premier League title race.
With pride and crucial points at stake, both teams will be eager to seize the advantage in this historic rivalry.
Liverpool vs Everton – Preview
Liverpool haven’t had the best few weeks. Right before the international break, they were knocked out of the Champions League by PSG at home and then lost the League Cup final to Newcastle. Those defeats ended their hopes of winning multiple trophies this season, leaving them with only the Premier League to focus on.
Even though they didn’t look great against Southampton in their last league game, they’re still in a strong position. Their lead over Arsenal now stands at nine points, though the Gunners have played one game more after their 2-1 win over Fulham.
At Anfield, they’ve been almost unbeatable this season. Since losing to Nottingham Forest back in September, they’ve gone 19 home league games without defeat (17 wins, 2 draws) before the PSG loss. They’ve also scored at least two goals in their last 15 home league matches, which shows how strong they’ve been going forward.
When it comes to playing Everton, Liverpool usually does well at home. They’ve won the last seven derbies at Anfield in front of fans and haven’t lost to Everton there this century.
The last meeting between these two was wild. Everton scored a last-minute equalizer in February, and then two players got red cards after the final whistle for fighting. This fixture has seen more red cards than any other in Premier League history (25), and only Chelsea vs Manchester United has had more draws.
Everton, though, are a much better team now than they were earlier in the season. Under David Moyes, they’ve gone nine league games without losing, their best run since 2017, and they’re nowhere near the relegation battle anymore.
Moyes has done a great job since taking over, picking up 17 points in 10 games, as many as some of the teams fighting to stay up have all season. But after winning Manager of the Month in February, Everton have drawn their last four games, including some disappointing performances against Wolves and West Ham.
Nearly half of Everton’s games this season have ended in draws (13 out of 29), which is more than ever before for them. Another draw here wouldn’t be a surprise, and Moyes would probably take it. He has never won at Anfield as a manager, losing his last nine visits consecutively.
Liverpool vs Everton – Team News
Liverpool’s injury concerns are mounting at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley on the sidelines. While Bradley has returned to training, he may not be ready to start after his lengthy absence.
Goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch should be available despite pulling out of international duty, with both expected to train before a final fitness check.
In attack, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are certain starters, with one spot up for grabs between Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, while Federico Chiesa is unlikely to start despite scoring in the EFL Cup final.
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Everton are slowly regaining fitness after a season plagued by injuries. Vitalii Mykolenko remains doubtful with a thigh problem but could feature after returning to training. The Toffees are still without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, though Armando Broja is available after international duty with Albania.
Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are back in training but won’t be ready for this match, leaving Carlos Alcaraz, Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison to compete for the wide positions.
Abdoulaye Doucouré, who was sent off in the reverse fixture, is expected to start in his usual attacking midfield role behind the striker. Long-term absentee Orel Mangala remains unavailable.
Key Stats
- Liverpool are undefeated in their last 25 matches in the Premier League.
- Everton have drawn their last four matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool are undefeated in 29 of their last 31 matches against Everton in all competitions.
- 12 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two teams.
- David Moyes has won none of his 19 Premier League away games against Liverpool, the joint-most any manager has faced an opponent on the road without a single victory in the competition (Moyes also 19 vs Chelsea). As Everton boss, he drew six of his 11 league visits to Anfield (L5), including his last one in May 2013 (0-0).
