As Everton prepare to move into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium from next season, the farewells continue with what will be the final Merseyside derby at the ‘Grand Old Lady’ on Wednesday.
This will be the 120th time Everton have hosted Liverpool at Goodison, with both teams having won 41 matches each at the venue – so a winner on Wednesday will tip the scales in blue or red favour.
The match was originally scheduled to be played in December but was postponed on safety concerns because of severe weather caused by Storm Darragh.
Everton’s Form & Moyes’ Impact
Reappointing David Moyes has proven to be a masterstroke for Everton—at least in the short term.. Moyes has quickly turned the Toffees’ fortunes around since returning.
When the Scotsman took charge, Everton were 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only three wins from 19 games.
Although they remain in 16th place, they have won their last three league matches, building a nine-point cushion over the relegation zone. They did suffer an FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, but in the league, they have picked up nine points from a possible 12 under Moyes.
Everton come into this fixture on the back of three consecutive Premier League victories, albeit having lost to Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the weekend. It is just the second time since the start of 2024 that Everton have won three league games on the bounce, while they have taken nine points from a possible 12 in the league under Moyes.
That run has been timely and, while the Toffees are just two places above the relegation zone, there are now nine points between them and the bottom three.
Everton’s record against Liverpool, however, has been dismal this century. In 54 meetings since 2000, Everton have won just six times. But after a win at Goodison last season, they now have a chance to secure back-to-back derby victories for the first time in 40 years.
Liverpool’s 12-game unbeaten run at Goodison ended with that loss last season, and another defeat here could hurt their title charge in Jurgen Klopp’s final season.
Liverpool’s Situation & Premier League Dominance
Liverpool enter into tonight’s Merseyside derby looking to get back from an FA Cup shock after losing to Championship bottom club Plymouth on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side will be happy to turn their attention back to the Premier League tonight.
Slot made 10 changes for the Plymouth match, meaning the team that lines up at Goodison will be completely different from the one that suffered that cup upset.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 19 Premier League matches (W14, D5) and could extend their lead at the top to nine points with a victory. Their record against teams in the bottom seven has been victories and the Reds have been impressive on the road all season.
This final Goodison Park derby is not just about history for Liverpool; it is a chance to extend their dominance at the top.
Team News
Moyes picked a very strong Everton XI for the fourth-round tie against Bournemouth on Saturday, and it could look very similar here, with one or two changes out wide the only likely alterations.
Vitalii Mykolenko missed the cup defeat due to a calf strain but could return in place of Ashley Young, who was sent off in this fixture last season. Jack Harrison may replace Jesper Lindstrom on the right flank after an impressive cameo off the bench against the Cherries.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Brojaand Youssef Chermiti all sidelined, Beto will start up front for the hosts, and Dwight McNeil will also be missing after undergoing minor knee surgery at the end of January.
For Liverpool, Slot is expected to make 10 changes from the Plymouth loss, likely reverting to the same XI that beat Spurs 4-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final last week.
Luis Diaz was the only player who kept his place in the FA Cup tie, but despite a disappointing performance, he is likely to start again. Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa are expected to drop out, making way for Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk, who didn’t even travel to Plymouth.
One concern for Liverpool is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is unlikely to feature after Slot sounded pessimistic about his fitness for the next couple of weeks.
Predicted Lineups
Everton possible lineup:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
Liverpool possible lineup:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
How to Watch Everton vs. Liverpool
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:30 PM GMT
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate
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