Merseyside Derby Preview: Can Liverpool Edge Closer to the Title? | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Everton: Premier League Merseyside Derby Preview

Date: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 20:00

After Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds must regroup and refocus on their primary objective—securing a 20th English league title. With nine games remaining and a 12-point lead at the top of the table, the visit of Everton presents an opportunity to take another decisive step toward Premier League glory.

For their part, Everton arrive at Anfield in solid form, unbeaten in their last nine league outings. Under David Moyes, the Toffees have rediscovered defensive resilience, and despite four consecutive draws, they will be determined to frustrate their city rivals in one of English football’s most fiercely contested fixtures.

Everton Availability

Everton manager David Moyes will have to navigate several injury concerns ahead of the derby. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a major doubt due to a thigh issue, while Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are both sidelined. Vitalii Mykolenko suffered a thigh injury while on international duty and is unlikely to feature.

In terms of recent form, Everton’s last outing saw them draw 1-1 at home to West Ham, extending their unbeaten run to nine games. However, four consecutive draws have prevented them from climbing higher than 12th in the Premier League table. Before that, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace and were involved in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Moyes is expected to stick with his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 setup, with a focus on defensive organization and counter-attacking through wide areas. With Calvert-Lewin likely absent, Beto is expected to lead the line.

Predicted Everton Lineup (4-2-3-1):

• GK: Jordan Pickford

• RB: Ashley Young

• RCB: James Tarkowski

• LCB: Jarrad Branthwaite

• LB: Nathan Patterson

• CM: Idrissa Gueye

• CM: James Garner

• RW: Jack Harrison

• AM: Abdoulaye Doucouré

• LW: Alcaraz

• CF: Beto

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool faces some selection dilemmas heading into the derby. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains doubtful due to a thigh injury, while Ryan Gravenberch is ruled out. The biggest concern, however, is goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who sustained a head injury while on international duty with Brazil. If unavailable, Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to deputise. Both Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley have returned to their respective levels of training, however, both appear unavailable for this derby.

Despite the disappointment against PSG, Liverpool’s league form has been relentless. Their last Premier League outing saw them secure a 3-1 win over Southampton, following a 1-0 away victory at PSG in the first leg of their European tie. Before that, they recorded a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle at Anfield. Sitting at the top of the table with 70 points from 29 games, the Reds need just 16 more to mathematically secure the title.

Arne Slot is expected to name a strong lineup, with Diogo Jota likely to start centrally after Darwin Núñez’s struggles in front of goal. If Conor Bradley cannot return at right-back in Alexander-Arnold’s absence it may see Jarell Quansah start, while the midfield trio of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones will be tasked with controlling the tempo.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3):

• GK: Alisson Becker

• RB: Jarell Quansah

• RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

• LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

• LB: Andy Robertson

• CM: Alexis Mac Allister

• ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

• CM: Ryan Gravenberch

• RW: Mohamed Salah

• CF: Diogo Jota

• LW: Luis Díaz

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Liverpool are expected to take control of possession early, looking to pin Everton back and exploit weaknesses down the flanks. The likely absence of Mykolenko at left-back could leave the Toffees vulnerable, particularly against Salah’s movement and inevitable return to form.

Everton, meanwhile, will set up to frustrate their rivals, with a compact midfield designed to nullify Liverpool’s creative threats. The physical presence of Doucouré will be key in the battle against Mac Allister, while Beto’s role as a target man will be crucial in transitions.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton