In just under two weeks, Everton will face their fierce rivals Liverpool in the Premier League, stirring anticipation among fans who recall the recent dramatic Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
That earlier encounter saw James Tarkowski clinch a point for Everton with a stunning late equaliser, echoing in the minds of supporters. This time, as they prepare for the derby, Everton is hopeful that their squad is ready to convert recent matches into victories.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's form has been less than stellar, having faced criticism after losing both the Carabao Cup final and a UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint Germain. The situation has become even more pressing for the Reds as defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the upcoming derby, with expectations for his return to training pushed back to next month.
Following the last draw against Everton, Virgil van Dijk made remarks that resonate differently now as Liverpool grapples with its struggles. His comments seemingly reflect an undercurrent of frustration among the players as the squad looks to regain its form ahead of the derby.
As for Everton, manager David Moyes is expecting to have Dwight McNeil back in action as he recently returned to training. McNeil’s involvement in the derby could provide a crucial boost for the team. In stark contrast, Liverpool faces a significant hole with Alexander-Arnold sidelined.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool has also been hit with injury news, having departed the Netherlands’ national squad due to a fitness issue just days before the high-profile match. This development adds greater weight to Everton's hopes of leveraging any advantages presented by Liverpool's current difficulties.
For Everton, converting recent draws into wins has become a focal point. With the Merseyside Derby on the horizon, there's perhaps no better way for the Toffees to score crucial points than by overcoming their top rivals at Anfield.
In the wake of these preparations, players are speaking openly about their situations. Jesper Lindstrom, who has recently found his footing under Moyes, expressed to Danish media how the manager has instilled “faith and freedom” in him, contrasting his earlier experiences. He noted, “Moyes has given me faith in things, and it has given me freedom that we have won some games. We are allowed to play more now than before...”
Lindstrom's positive turn came after a difficult period in Italy, underscoring the rejuvenation he feels at Everton. His experience highlights the topic of confidence, crucial in any competitive sport.
On the other side, Jack Harrison, another player with a deep desire to secure his future at the club, lamented his form this season. He has struggled to replicate his previous performance levels since returning on loan for a second consecutive season. As he reflected on the challenges of the past months, he stated, “It’s been the first period of my career, really, where I’ve not really been scoring any goals or contributing to the team as much as I’m used to doing…”
Harrison’s frustrations could ultimately fuel his determination to take advantage of any opportunity, especially with injuries affecting his fellow forwards. Meanwhile, the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz has injected new energy into the squad, and Harrison continues to seek ways to improve his play on the field.
As the countdown to the Merseyside Derby continues, anticipation builds. Everton fans hope to see their players rise to the occasion, revving up both performance and morale in what promises to be a defining moment of their season.
Both teams find themselves at a crossroads as vigor from the past clings to their regional rivalry. With recent events shaping both Everton’s and Liverpool's trajectories, the match at Anfield will not just be about points, but a chance to reclaim pride and momentum.
