For Liverpool, it is about extending a perfect start to the Premier League season and reinforcing their dominance under Arne Slot. For Everton, it is about resilience, pride, and proving they can compete with their illustrious rivals under David Moyes, who has returned for a second spell in charge.
This derby feels different now. Everton are no longer Liverpool’s immediate neighbours across Stanley Park. The Toffees have left Goodison Park behind and are now settling into life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a state-of-the-art new home that symbolises the club’s ambition to break away from their underdog tag.
While the streets that once connected Goodison to Anfield are no longer part of the derby day march, the rivalry burns just as fiercely. Anfield will be at its loudest, and both sides know this clash can still shape the city’s footballing narrative.
Match Build-Up
Liverpool come into the game with four wins from four, top of the Premier League and playing with the authority of champions. Their last outing, a narrow 1-0 away win at Burnley sealed by Mohamed Salah’s late penalty, underlined their ability to grind out results.Salah remains the talisman, Alexander Isak is likely to get his first start for LFC in the Premier League, and Florian Wirtz has added a new dimension of creativity to the midfield. Hugo Ekitike offers a fresh attacking option, while Cody Gakpo has stepped into the left-sided role vacated by Luis Díaz with intelligence and cutting edge.
Everton, meanwhile, have taken seven points from their opening four matches and carry a renewed sense of belief. The arrival of Jack Grealish from Manchester City has been transformative. Already crowned Premier League Player of the Month for August, Grealish has given Moyes’ side the creativity and swagger they’ve long lacked.
Combined with the power of Beto and the tireless running of Iliman Ndiaye, Everton now look capable of troubling elite opposition. The Moyes effect has restored discipline and fight, while the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium has added a sense of fresh identity. The Toffees no longer see themselves as neighbours in Liverpool’s shadow, but as a club stepping into a new era.
Injuries & Suspensions
Liverpool are missing Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcectic is also out. Isak has been managed carefully for fitness reasons but should be available. No suspensions affect Arne Slot’s selection.Everton’s injury list is much heavier. Jarrad Branthwaite is ruled out, while both Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson are unavailable, leaving Moyes short at full-back. Adam Aznou is a doubt, and Ndiaye has carried a minor knock but is expected to play. No suspensions affect the Toffees, but the sheer number of absentees in defence is a major concern.
Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-3-3)Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Isak, Gakpo.
(Ekitike available as a strong option from the bench)
Everton (4-4-2)
Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Keane, O’Brien; Garner, Onana, Doucouré, McNeil; Beto, Ndiaye.
Liverpool are expected to dominate possession, with Wirtz providing guile in midfield and Salah threatening from the right. Isak offers a physical focal point, while Gakpo’s intelligent movement from the left gives Liverpool balance. Everton will likely sit deep, play compact, and look to release Ndiaye on the counter or feed Beto with direct service.
Match Prediction
This fixture has produced surprises over the years, but Liverpool have the stronger squad, better form, and home advantage. Anfield is a fortress, and Everton’s depleted back line could struggle to contain the pace and variety of Liverpool’s attack. While Moyes will set his team up to frustrate and compete physically, the gulf in quality is significant.Expect Liverpool to dictate the tempo, create sustained pressure, and eventually break down Everton’s defensive block. Salah and Wirtz look primed to influence the game, while Isak and Gakpo provide finishing power.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Everton
Liverpool will maintain their perfect start to the season, while Everton will leave Anfield frustrated, still searching for a way to close the gap on their rivals.
