Liverpool vs Everton Preview

• Liverpool to win
• Over 1.5 goals for Liverpool

The Merseyside derby returns to Anfield this weekend, and it arrives with both teams entering in solid form, though with very different levels of expectation. Liverpool, defending their Premier League crown, have already demonstrated a habit of pulling results out of the fire, while Everton are quietly enjoying one of their most positive starts in recent years.

For Liverpool, this season has been about resilience. Arne Slot’s side may boast a perfect record across their opening five matches in all competitions, but performances have not always matched the results. Last weekend, the Reds needed a stoppage-time penalty to edge past Burnley 1-0, before midweek drama in the Champions League saw them squander a two-goal lead against Atlético Madrid before winning 3-2 thanks to a 92nd-minute header from Virgil van Dijk. Slot has already established himself as a manager unafraid of late tactical tweaks, and the Reds’ ability to strike in the dying moments is quickly becoming a hallmark of their campaign. Liverpool are aiming to win their opening five Premier League games for just the third time in their history, and given they’ve lost only two of their last 52 home league matches (W40, D10), belief on the Kop will be high that they can extend their flawless start.

Everton, however, arrive at Anfield with confidence of their own. Under David Moyes, the Toffees have developed a far more robust approach, and they enter this derby unbeaten in their last four matches (W3, D1). Three consecutive victories prior to the international break were followed by a goalless draw against Aston Villa last time out, and Everton can take encouragement from the fact they were rarely troubled defensively in that game. Their 10-point haul at this stage marks their best return since 2021/22, and Moyes’ ability to tighten up a previously leaky defence has played a significant role in this turnaround. On the road, Everton have been particularly impressive, winning six of their last 11 away league games (D2, L3). That’s as many away victories as they managed in their previous 30 such fixtures combined, offering hope that they can push Liverpool harder than in previous visits.

Head-to-Head History

The Merseyside derby has been one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries, but recent history has heavily favoured Liverpool. The Reds have lost just two of the last 29 league meetings (W13, D14), while Everton’s win at Anfield in 2021 remains their only success across their last 28 visits to this ground in all competitions (W1, D10, L17). Liverpool’s ability to control this fixture, particularly at home, has been a defining factor in their dominance.

However, Everton are no strangers to upsetting the odds in derby fixtures, and with Moyes overseeing his most settled squad since returning to the club, they will believe they can produce another memorable moment. Still, the weight of history leans heavily in Liverpool’s favour, and it is clear that Everton will need to deliver one of their best away performances in years to leave with a positive result.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Liverpool have scored first in all five of their matches this season.
• Eleven of the last 13 goals in Liverpool’s games have arrived after half-time.
• Everton have not trailed at half-time in any of their last nine matches.
• David Moyes has lost each of his last nine visits to Anfield with four different clubs.
• Liverpool have won their last four home Merseyside derbies without conceding.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Liverpool’s defence has been one of their strongest assets in derby clashes, and no player embodies that more than Alisson Becker. The Brazilian has kept seven clean sheets in 11 Merseyside derbies, including four in his last five at Anfield.

His presence has repeatedly frustrated Everton strikers, and with Liverpool occasionally looking vulnerable to lapses in concentration, Alisson’s authority will be key once again.

For Everton, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is one to keep an eye on. The midfielder has history at Anfield, having scored here in a 2-1 defeat while playing for Leicester in 2022.

Since then, he has matured into a more consistent performer, and his knack for arriving late into the box and converting chances could be Everton’s best hope of breaching Liverpool’s defence. Interestingly, Dewsbury-Hall has won 15 of the last 16 matches in which he has scored, making his contributions especially decisive.

On the team news front, Liverpool appear to have no fresh injury concerns, with Arne Slot’s squad depth offering some respite from a busy schedule. Everton, by contrast, could be without two key defenders: Vitalii Mykolenko and Jarrad Branthwaite, both of whom are doubts. Their absence would leave gaps in the Toffees’ backline that Liverpool’s forwards will be eager to exploit.

Tactical Battle

This derby could be decided by whether Everton can contain Liverpool’s relentless forward play without sacrificing their own ability to counter. Slot’s Liverpool have shown vulnerability when pressed high, but their composure in possession and variety of attacking options make them difficult to pin back for long stretches. Expect Liverpool to push their full-backs high and look to stretch Everton’s defensive shape, especially if Branthwaite and Mykolenko are unavailable.

Moyes’ Everton, by contrast, are likely to prioritise defensive organisation and rely on quick transitions. Compact lines, physical duels in midfield, and counter-attacking bursts down the wings will form the backbone of their approach. The key for Everton will be maintaining discipline for 90 minutes, as Liverpool’s late-goal record this season highlights their ability to break down tiring opponents.

Prediction

The Merseyside derby rarely disappoints, but recent years have shown Liverpool’s supremacy in this fixture, particularly at Anfield. While Everton have improved under Moyes and look far more competitive on the road, the gulf in quality between the two squads remains significant. Liverpool’s attacking depth, defensive stability, and their ability to conjure late goals should prove too much for Everton to handle.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton

The Reds to maintain their perfect start to the season with another controlled derby victory, extending Everton’s miserable run at Anfield.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Liverpool v Everton | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview