After a storm-induced delay, the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is finally set to take place tonight at 7:30pm GMT under the floodlights of Goodison Park. Originally slated for Saturday, December 7, 2024, the fixture was postponed due to Storm Darragh’s disruptive weather. Now, both teams have had extra time to prepare, adding more intrigue to what promises to be a fiery contest.
This match holds historical significance as it marks the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s impending move to their new stadium. Liverpool will be buoyed by potential returns as head coach Arne Slot provided updates during his pre-match press conference.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been out since suffering injury against Bournemouth earlier this month but has resumed partial training. “Trent has done parts of training sessions with us,” Slot said. “Not ‘sessions’, a session, yesterday. So, let’s see how he is today. He will train, hopefully, with us again and then we have to decide if we take him to the game, yes or no.” On the other hand, Joe Gomez will not be available as his return was cut short due to recurring leg issues. “Joe, it’s the same leg where he had the injury last time. We are still assessing, but he will definitely not be available tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
For the hosts, manager David Moyes is hoping to have left-back Vitalii Mykolenko fit for the clash after he missed Everton’s FA Cup loss to Bournemouth. The Ukraine international has resumed training and could return to bolster the Toffees’ defense. “He’s started some training today, so hopefully he could be available,” Moyes remarked.
Moyes did acknowledge the current disparity between the two Merseyside rivals, but he emphasized his commitment to narrowing the gap. “I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is as big as it’s been for a long time,” he admitted. This signifies not just the competitive aspect, but the need for Everton to improve.
With emotions running high and both teams desperate for points, the clash is expected to be fiercely contested. Moyes urged his players to make full use of the energy from the home crowd. “All we need is the support behind us – which they have been since I came back. They’ve been absolutely brilliant,” he stated. “We want to put on a spectacle at Goodison, and hopefully, a great game.”
A win for Liverpool would be immensely beneficial, extending their formidable lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points over second-placed Arsenal. “A win for Liverpool...would be a massive step toward the Premier League title,” reports indicate. Currently, with 56 points, victory would take them to 59, solidifying their grip on the title race.
Conversely, for Everton, the stakes are just as significant but for contrasting reasons. A win would lift them to 29 points, creating much-needed distance from the relegation zone. “It would create...a buffer from the relegation zone,” experts assess. More than league survival, it would provide Evertonians with cherished memories, offering them the perfect farewell to Goodison Park.
With so much at stake, tonight's Merseyside derby is poised to be more than just another fixture, but rather, it’s set to be an emotional rollercoaster for both clubs, with the local fanbase anticipating what will be one last memorable clash at this historic ground.