As Everton hosts Liverpool in what promises to be an emotionally charged Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, fans are set to witness the final chapter of this historic rivalry at the iconic venue. Originally slated for December, the match was delayed due to adverse weather conditions, adding to the anticipation for this crucial Premier League encounter.
Match Info
- Wednesday 12th February 14:30 EST / 19:30 GMT
- English Premier League Matchday 15 of 38
- Goodison Park
Both sides are looking to rebound from recent FA Cup disappointments, with their eyes firmly set on the league—where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Everton, sitting comfortably nine points above the relegation zone, and Liverpool, leading the pack by six points, are both desperate for a victory to consolidate their respective league positions.
The significance of claiming the last bragging rights at Goodison Park cannot be understated, as it adds an extra layer of motivation for both teams. Historically, matches between these two at Goodison have been fiercely contested, and this one is expected to be no different.
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, are coming into this game well-rested, having rotated their squad in their recent FA Cup loss. This strategic rest could provide them with the necessary vigour to challenge an Everton side that fielded a strong lineup in their own 0-2 FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth.
Everton’s manager, David Moyes, is acutely aware of the derby’s significance and is eager for his team to recover from their Cup setback. Having secured three consecutive Premier League wins, albeit against lesser opposition, Everton faces a formidable challenge in Liverpool—a team that has been ruthlessly efficient in front of goal and resilient at the back, as evidenced by their recent clean sheet victories against Brentford and Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments in matches has been a key to their success, and they will need to maintain that clinical edge to overcome an Everton side that, under Moyes, has shown signs of increased confidence and resilience.
The derby is expected to be tightly contested, with Everton’s recent form injecting a degree of unpredictability into the encounter. Despite their struggles in attack, the Toffees’ newfound belief under Moyes makes them a potential threat, especially in a fixture as unpredictable as the Merseyside derby.
Everton
As Goodison Park prepares to close a significant chapter in its storied history, Everton looks to capitalise on a series of pivotal ‘lasts’. This weekend marked the final FA Cup match at the famed stadium, where David Moyes’ squad faced a disappointing 0-2 defeat against Bournemouth, prolonging their trophy drought to three decades. Despite this setback, Everton’s recent Premier League form offers a silver lining, as they have started to distance themselves from the relegation fray.
The spotlight now turns to the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park—an encounter laden with historical significance and a vital game in hand against their rivals for survival. Positioned 16th in the league, Everton has managed a commendable push under Moyes, now sitting nine points clear of the drop zone. Their home record this season stands at four wins, four draws, and four losses, with the team netting 16 goals and conceding 13 in these matches.
Everton supporters, albeit disheartened by their FA Cup exit, have recent league victories to boost their spirits. The team has secured three consecutive Premier League wins, including notable triumphs over Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Goodison. These performances have bolstered hopes as they face a Liverpool side in a derby that promises high stakes and intense emotions.
The Toffees will, however, feel the absence of key players such as Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Fans will be keenly awaiting news on Vitalii Mykolenko, whose fitness could be crucial for their defensive lineup. As the final Merseyside derby at Goodison looms, Everton aims to deliver a memorable performance in this historic fixture, seeking to secure vital points and perhaps, more importantly, local bragging rights.
Liverpool
After a mixed spell in cup competitions, Liverpool are refocusing their energies on the Premier League, where a crucial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park awaits. Despite a full-strength side clinching a victory in the League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, manager Arne Slot opted for sweeping changes against Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. This decision backfired as Liverpool, despite fielding a team brimming with international talent, suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat at Home Park.
This setback shifts Liverpool’s attention back to their league campaign, where they currently hold a six-point lead over Arsenal. The upcoming derby represents not just an opportunity for redemption but also a chance to tighten their grip on the title race with a game in hand.
Despite recent away defeats in cup fixtures at Tottenham, PSV Eindhoven, and Plymouth, Liverpool’s league form tells a different story. The Reds have secured four wins in their last five away league matches, including consecutive 0-2 victories at Brentford and Bournemouth, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess on the road.
Injury concerns loom as Joe Gomez is sidelined following a recent injury, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is doubtful for the upcoming clash. However, the squad is expected to be bolstered by the return of key players such as Alisson, Virgil Van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Mo Salah, and Cody Gakpo, all poised to start in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
As Liverpool heads into this historic encounter, the stakes are incredibly high, not just for points but for pride, as they aim to bounce back strongly and reaffirm their premier standing in English football.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Liverpool to Win
Given Liverpool’s strong performance in the Premier League, particularly in away games, they are the likely favourites to win the upcoming Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Despite recent setbacks in cup competitions, Liverpool has demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority in the league, evidenced by their six-point lead at the top and consecutive away wins at Brentford and Bournemouth. With key players like Alisson, Virgil Van Dijk, and Mo Salah expected back in the lineup, Liverpool’s robust squad depth and quality should give them the upper hand against an Everton side that has struggled for consistency, despite some recent form improvements under David Moyes. The added motivation of widening their lead in the title race and bouncing back from the FA Cup disappointment should propel Liverpool to secure a victory in this historic fixture.
America Bet Score Prediction
Everton 1 – 3 Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent form in the Premier League, particularly on the road, suggests they will have the offensive edge in the Merseyside derby. The team has managed to secure clean sheets and net multiple goals in their last few away matches, including solid 0-2 victories against Brentford and Bournemouth. Given Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities and the absence of key players like Seamus Coleman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Liverpool is well-positioned to exploit these gaps. Meanwhile, Everton may find it challenging to contain Liverpool’s potent attack led by the likes of Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo but could still manage to find the back of the net at home. Considering these factors, a 1-3 victory for Liverpool seems a plausible outcome as they aim to solidify their Premier League title aspirations.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Liverpool to win.
- Over 2.5 goals in the match.
- Liverpool to score first.
- Mo Salah to score at any time.
- Liverpool to win by a 2-goal margin.
- Both teams to score – Yes.
- Liverpool to lead at halftime.
- Total corners over 9.5.
- Cody Gakpo to provide an assist.
- Everton to receive the first yellow card.
