The first Premier League Merseyside derby at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon, as Everton welcome Liverpool in what promises to be a historic and high-stakes clash.
While the Toffees come into this encounter buoyed by a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brentford, Liverpool arrive wounded after their Champions League exit earlier in the week.
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park remains fresh in the memory for Everton fans, highlighted by James Tarkowski’s stunning volley and the fiery post-match reaction from Arne Slot. That dramatic farewell has set the bar high for what will now be the first derby at the club’s new home.
Everton’s impressive new stadium is built for big occasions, and under David Moyes, the team is pushing hard for European qualification. Sitting just outside the top six, the Toffees are firmly in contention for continental football next season.
Last weekend, Everton showed resilience by salvaging a late point against Brentford thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. That result means they have collected 10 points from their last five league matches, leaving them just one point behind sixth-placed Chelsea.
Victory on Sunday would also push Everton beyond the 50-point mark for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign, underlining their steady progress. They have already won their last two home league games and will be aiming to make it three in a row at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Liverpool, however, have their own piece of history in sight. Having already won at 59 different Premier League grounds, they are chasing a landmark 60th venue victory.
Despite ending a three-game winless run in the league with a 2-0 win over Fulham, Liverpool’s momentum was quickly halted in Europe. A 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain saw them eliminated from the Champions League, with Ousmane Dembele delivering a decisive brace.
That result leaves Liverpool with four defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Still, they remain in control of their top-four fate, holding a four-point cushion over Chelsea in fifth place.
However, their away form is a growing concern. The Reds have lost their last four matches on the road in all competitions, a trend that does not bode well heading into such a hostile derby environment. Even their narrow 2-1 win over Everton earlier this season offers limited reassurance.
Team news
Everton are in a strong position squad-wise, with only Jack Grealish sidelined due to injury. With most of his players available, Moyes is expected to stick with a settled lineup.Up front, Beto has been in excellent form, contributing five goals in his last four league appearances. His performances should see him retain his place ahead of Thierno Barry.
Liverpool, in contrast, have been hit by a major setback. Top scorer Hugo Ekitike has suffered an Achilles injury that could rule him out for the rest of the year.
He joins a growing injury list that includes Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez.
Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line in Ekitike’s absence, although he may not be fit enough to complete the full match. As a result, either Cody Gakpo or Mohamed Salah could be deployed centrally later in the game.
Possible lineups
Everton:Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Liverpool:
Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak
Prediction
Everton 1-1 Liverpool
