As the Premier League gears up for one of its most anticipated clashes, Liverpool prepares to host Everton in the 246th Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The stakes have never been higher for both teams, albeit for different reasons. For Liverpool, this match represents an opportunity to solidify their dominance at the top of the Premier League, while Everton aims to continue their resurgence under manager David Moyes.
In the lead-up to the match, Liverpool stands tall with a remarkable 12-point lead over second-place Arsenal, boasting a record of 21 wins, seven draws, and just one loss this season. However, the Reds come into this derby off the back of a disappointing March, having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and suffering a defeat in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United. Liverpool’s recent form has raised questions, but they remain the favorites with a 66.3% win probability according to Opta’s supercomputer.
On the other side of Stanley Park, Everton has found new life under Moyes, going unbeaten in their last nine league games. Their recent form includes four wins and five draws, which has lifted them to 15th place in the Premier League. The Toffees are eager to avoid defeat in both league meetings with Liverpool for the first time since the 2020-21 season, a feat they last achieved with a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in February, highlighted by James Tarkowski's dramatic equalizer.
That last encounter was marred by chaos, as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré were sent off after the final whistle, along with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff, who received their marching orders for confronting the referee. The Merseyside derby has historically been a fiery affair, producing more red cards than any other fixture in Premier League history, and this match is expected to be no different.
Slot expressed his desire for revenge on the pitch, acknowledging that he should have maintained his composure during the heated moments at Goodison Park. "I expect the same, but with one difference – that every time the Everton players do something well they don’t get the cheers and reactions from 50,000 people," Slot said. "But our players will get that reaction after every tackle they make and for every pass they do. That is a different emotion, but football-wise I expect the same because this is what Everton have done for the last nine or 10 games now, with David Moyes in charge."
Despite their recent setbacks, Liverpool still boasts an array of attacking talent, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, who has been directly involved in eight goals in his last seven Merseyside derbies. Salah’s prowess has made him a key figure in this fixture, as he looks to surpass Steven Gerrard’s record of nine goals in derby matches. With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Reds will rely on the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to support their offensive efforts.
Everton, meanwhile, is dealing with its own injury concerns. While Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have returned to training, their participation in the derby remains uncertain. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is confirmed to be out, adding to the Toffees' challenges. Nevertheless, Moyes’s side has shown resilience, with players like Jake O’Brien stepping up to secure crucial late equalisers in recent matches.
In terms of tactics, Liverpool is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alisson in goal, supported by a back four of Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Andrew Robertson. The midfield will likely feature Gravenberch and Mac Allister, while Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo provide the creative spark behind striker Diogo Jota.
Everton is anticipated to counter with a 4-4-1-1 formation, featuring Jordan Pickford in goal, with a defensive line comprised of O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, and Young. The midfield will include Gueye and Garner, while Doucouré and Beto lead the charge up front.
Historically, Liverpool has dominated the Merseyside Derby, winning 125 of the 296 meetings, with Everton winning 84 times. At Anfield, the Reds have been particularly formidable, winning five of their last six encounters against the Toffees, and they have not lost at home to Everton since 2010. With the chance to secure their 100th win in this fixture, Liverpool will be keen to make a statement.
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM BST, and the excitement is palpable as fans prepare for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. As Liverpool seeks to bounce back from their recent disappointments and Everton aims to continue their unbeaten run, the stage is set for a clash filled with intensity, passion, and drama.
With both teams having much to prove, the Merseyside Derby is sure to deliver the high stakes and electrifying atmosphere that fans have come to expect. Will Liverpool assert their dominance and edge closer to the title, or will Everton play the role of spoilers once again? Only time will tell.
