Everton vs Liverpool Preview
- Draw or Liverpool win
- Over 2.5 goals
The 245th Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool carries extra significance as it marks the final-ever derby to be played at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to their new stadium.
Both teams are coming off FA Cup defeats but remain in strong league form, making this an intriguing contest in the race for Premier League supremacy and Everton’s battle for respectability.
Everton: Aiming for a Historic Derby Win
Despite a 2-0 FA Cup exit to Bournemouth, Everton enter this clash in strong league form, having won three consecutive Premier League matches, including two clean-sheet victories.
They will be determined to end their Goodison Park derby era on a high by preventing Liverpool from strengthening their title charge.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Everton 0-2 Bournemouth (FA Cup) – L
- Everton 1-0 Leicester (Premier League) – W
- Brighton 0-1 Everton (Premier League) – W
- Everton 3-2 Tottenham (Premier League) – W
- Aston Villa 2-1 Everton (Premier League) – L
Why Everton Could Cause an Upset
- Goodison Fortress: Everton have kept two clean sheets in their last two home derbies against Liverpool (W1, D1).
- Derby History at Goodison: Everton lead the all-time home league H2H (W35, D36, L34).
- Recent Defensive Solidity: Two consecutive Premier League clean sheets suggest Everton’s defence is more resolute than in previous weeks.
Key Player: Carlos Alcaraz
New January signing Carlos Alcaraz nearly made an instant impact against Bournemouth, hitting the post from a free-kick cameo. If he starts, his energy and creativity in midfield could be key to breaking Liverpool’s high press.
Liverpool: Title Charge Gaining Momentum
Liverpool are six points clear at the top and can extend their lead to nine points with a win here. Arne Slot’s men are unbeaten in 19 Premier League matches (W14, D5), but their FA Cup loss to Plymouth (1-0) at the weekend has slightly dampened their momentum.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Plymouth 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup) – L
- Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League) – W
- Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool (Premier League) – W
- Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich (Premier League) – W
- Liverpool 2-1 Lille (UEFA Champions League) – W
Concerns for Liverpool
- Struggles at Goodison Park: Just two wins in their last 12 competitive visits to Everton (D9, L1).
- Bounce-back Factor: Liverpool’s reaction after FA Cup disappointment will be tested.
Key Player: Mohamed Salah
Salah has been a nightmare for Everton, scoring six goals in his last eight Merseyside derbies. Expect Liverpool’s talisman to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
- 21/10/23 – Liverpool 2-0 Everton
- 13/02/23 – Liverpool 2-0 Everton
- 03/09/22 – Everton 0-0 Liverpool
- 24/04/22 – Liverpool 2-0 Everton
- 01/12/21 – Everton 1-4 Liverpool
Derby Trends
- Liverpool are unbeaten in the last five Merseyside derbies (W4, D1).
- Everton’s last home win against Liverpool was in 2021 (2-0).
Tactical Insights
Everton’s Approach
- Defensive discipline: Keep a compact shape to prevent Liverpool’s high-flying attack from dominating.
- Target set-pieces: Utilise aerial threats posed by tall defenders and midfielders.
- High-energy pressing: Disrupt Liverpool’s midfield rhythm early on.
Liverpool’s Strategy
- Overload the right flank: Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold (if he is fit enough to start) will look to exploit Mykolenko’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Control possession: Expect dominance in midfield through Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
- Exploit Everton’s defensive lapses: Liverpool will look to force errors from Everton’s backline.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
With Liverpool’s title push and Everton’s last-ever Goodison Park derby, this will be a highly charged, intense encounter.
Predicted Scoreline: Everton 1-2 Liverpool
- Liverpool’s superior firepower should edge them to victory.
- Expect a fierce, physical contest with chances at both ends.
- Salah could be the match-winner yet again.
Conclusion
As the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, this fixture is historically significant. While Everton will battle with passion, Liverpool’s quality and title ambitions should see them prevail. Expect an electric atmosphere and a thrilling showdown in this Premier League classic.
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Everton v Liverpool, 2024/25 | Premier League