Everton vs Liverpool Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Both teams to score
The Merseyside Derby enters its 245th chapter as Everton and Liverpool face off in a match steeped in history and emotion.
This clash will be the last-ever Premier League meeting between the two sides at Goodison Park, a venue that has been a fortress for Everton and a symbol of this intense rivalry for over 130 years.
Everton: Aiming to Build Momentum
Everton approach this fixture with renewed optimism after a dominant 4-0 victory over Wolves midweek.
Sean Dyche’s side snapped a five-game winless streak (D3, L2) with that result and now chase consecutive wins for the first time since April—a run that included a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Goodison.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains Everton’s key man, having scored in each of his last two home derbies. His physical presence and ability to convert chances will be pivotal as Everton look to exploit Liverpool’s recent defensive lapses on the road.
Dyche’s men will aim to channel the emotion of the occasion, with their supporters likely to create a cauldron-like atmosphere in this historic farewell to Premier League derbies at Goodison.
Liverpool: Eyeing Redemption
Liverpool head into this derby top of the Premier League but frustrated by a 3-3 midweek draw against Newcastle.
Arne Slot’s side saw their lead at the summit reduced to seven points, but the Reds have proven adept at bouncing back, mounting lengthy winning streaks after their two prior winless results this season.
Defensive frailties on the road are a concern for Liverpool, as they’ve conceded two or more goals in their last four away games (W2, D2). However, their attacking firepower remains unmatched, led by Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian talisman has scored in his last seven Premier League games and boasts the league record for both scoring and assisting in more games than any other player.
Salah’s consistency and Curtis Jones’ recent form provide Liverpool with ample tools to breach Everton’s defence and extend their dominance in this rivalry.
Key Battles
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Liverpool’s Defence
Calvert-Lewin’s aerial ability and clinical finishing will test Liverpool’s backline, which has shown vulnerabilities on the road. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk must work in tandem to neutralise his threat.
Mohamed Salah vs Everton’s Full-Backs
Salah’s combination of pace, creativity, and finishing makes him a constant danger. Everton’s full-backs will need to remain disciplined to limit his influence on the game.
Tactical Analysis
Everton will likely adopt a defensive setup, focusing on organization and hitting Liverpool on the counterattack. Calvert-Lewin’s presence in the box and the creativity of Dwight McNeil will be key components of their strategy.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and press Everton into mistakes. Slot’s side will rely on Salah and Luis Díaz to create width and exploit spaces in Everton’s defensive third.
Darwin Núñez’s movement will also play a crucial role in disrupting Everton’s defensive structure.
Prediction: Everton 1-3 Liverpool
While Everton’s midweek win and the emotional backdrop of this historic occasion will inspire a spirited performance, Liverpool’s superior quality and attacking depth are likely to prevail.
Salah is poised to play a central role, while Calvert-Lewin may offer a moment of hope for Everton.
A victory for Liverpool would reinforce their dominance in this storied rivalry while marking a bittersweet farewell to Premier League derbies at Goodison Park.
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Everton v Liverpool, 2024/25 | Premier League