Liverpool and Everton face off on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking the beginning of a new chapter in one English football’s longest standing rivalries.
For the first time in over a decade, the two sides enter the derby on relatively even footing.
With just five points separating them and both chasing European qualification, the stakes could not be higher for either team.
Off the back of their 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that sent them crashing out of the Champions League, Liverpool will be desperate to avoid further disappointment and salvage whatever is left for them from this season.
Contrastingly, Everton stroll into Sunday’s clash in strong form.
The Toffees have won three of their last five Premier League matches, including notable victories over Chelsea and Newcastle United.
The fixture comes at arguably Liverpool’s lowest ebb of the season, having managed just one win from their last five outings, a 2-0 home victory coming against Fulham last week.
Yet, while form and recent performances will cloud the expectations of supporters, Merseyside derbies rarely prove to be predictable affairs.
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Slot believes the future is bright for Liverpool
Despite recent struggles, head coach Arne Slot has struck a positive tone ahead of the clash.
Encouraged by his side’s performance against PSG in the Champions League quarter-final, the Dutchman remains bullish on the team’s trajectory.
“The second leg against PSG does show the future does look bright,” he said. “This team has already shown in other moments they can compete with best in Europe.”
Liverpool’s second-half display in that match hinted at their potential, even if they ultimately lost to the better team on the night.
Slot will be expecting a similar level of performance from his players, but he is under no illusion as to the magnitude of Sunday’s clash.
“Always a very special game. They are in a very good place at the moment. You can add one or two percent to how special it is because it is the first one in a new stadium.”
Liverpool know a win would not only be revitalising for their momentum, but would create valuable breathing space between them and sixth placed Chelsea.
The London outfit are only four points behind the Reds and any dropped points could give an otherwise dysfunctional Chelsea side hopes of overtaking Liverpool.
Moyes keen to take Everton to Europe
Everton manager David Moyes has made no secret of his ambitions for Everton this season.
With six games remaining, he sees a genuine opportunity to push for European qualification.
“I think the biggest thing for me that we’re six games to go and we have something to play for here,” he said.
“Over recent years, it’s been the wrong thing we’ve been playing for, but this year we’re getting a bit closer to where you’d hope we’d be in. I’m hoping we can keep it going and keep that dream alive. Let’s see what happens.”
Moyes’ words represent a notable shift in mindset for Everton, who in recent seasons have been fighting relegation.
Now, the Toffees are closing in on a 50-point campaign, their strongest return since 2020/21.
A victory on Sunday would not only boost their European hopes by elevating them into a strong position for a top seven position, but give them an outside chance of breaking into Champions League places given the congestion in the league table.
Getting one over on their hometown rivals and securing a place in continental competition next season would be a fine way to kickstart the new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Everton favourites for derby victory
Everton have not had much fortune in recent Merseyside derbies.
The Toffees have won only one of their last 14 home games against Liverpool, despite ten of them ending in draws.
This time around, the outlook feels more optimistic.
Everton head into the match with momentum, a largely fit squad, and the backing of a passionate home crowd eager to mark the new stadium era with a statement result.
Striker Beto will be key, having contributed five goal involvements in his last five matches, and he is set for a physical battle with Liverpool defenders Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been dealt a major blow with the loss of Hugo Ekitike to an Achilles injury.
His absence removes a significant attacking threat, particularly given his impact in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
There is, however, a boost with Alexander Isak now fully available after returning from injury, offering the Reds a dangerous option up front.
For all their attacking quality, Liverpool have shown a vulnerability when momentum swings against them, a quality which was highlighted in the heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Liverpool will have to show the togetherness and quality they displayed against PSG, otherwise they may be returning to Anfield empty-handed and demoralised.
A decisive derby awaits
Sunday’s game gives both teams the chance to claim local bragging rights.
For Everton, it is a chance to usher in a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a victory over their hometown rivals.
For Liverpool, it is a chance to correct their league form and end their season with a flourish rather than a whimper.
Nonetheless, the clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium promises to be exciting, and for the first time in a long time, both club’s seasons could be defined by each other.
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