Prediction: Everton vs Liverpool

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: BetUS

Goodison Park is set to host the historic 245th Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. This clash carries added significance as it marks the final derby at Goodison before Everton transitions to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.

Everton

The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, alongside the season’s last home game against Southampton in May, will undoubtedly carry immense emotional weight for Everton fans. As the “Grand Old Lady” prepares to host its last league derby, this historic occasion will be etched in the hearts of supporters as they bid farewell to an era of iconic encounters on this storied ground.

Everton enter the weekend buoyed by a crucial 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, snapping a five-game winless streak and ending a four-match run without scoring. The much-needed win eased pressure on Sean Dyche, lifting the Toffees to 15th place and putting them five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.

Dyche’s side now face a daunting schedule, with matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City following Saturday’s derby. Everton will aim to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since April, when they triumphed over Liverpool at Goodison. However, history is not on their side, as they have not managed consecutive victories over Liverpool since their title-winning 1984/85 season. Additionally, Everton’s struggles against top teams persist, with only four wins in 47 Premier League games against the table-toppers.

Team News

Armando Broja made a notable impact in his brief Everton debut during Wednesday’s victory, creating two clear chances, though Jack Harrison failed to capitalize. His return adds competition to the forward line, increasing pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who regained his starting role midweek and played a key part in forcing Craig Dawson’s two own goals.

Youssef Chermiti, James Garner and Tim Iroegbuman remain sidelined for the time being.

Liverpool

Liverpool have proven to be Everton’s toughest opponents, winning 32 of their 54 meetings since 2000, while Everton have managed just six victories in that span. This lopsided record firmly establishes the visitors as favorites heading into the derby.

Last season’s loss at Goodison Park was a rare blip for Liverpool, ending a 12-game unbeaten streak at Everton’s ground. For manager Arne Slot, this will be his first experience of the Merseyside derby, and expectations will be high for him to deliver. Interestingly, Slot has a relatively low bar to surpass Jurgen Klopp’s Goodison Park record, as Klopp’s Liverpool often found this fixture to be more challenging than expected despite their overall dominance in the rivalry.

While he won his first visit, Klopp’s only other victory at this venue came in a 4-1 triumph in 2021, when former Reds boss Rafa Benitez was in charge of Everton. Since then, Liverpool have found trips across Stanley Park difficult, often coming away with disappointing draws or shocking defeats.

The 12:30 PM kick-off slot could play to Liverpool’s advantage, as they are unbeaten in their last eight such fixtures, winning six. A victory here would not only enhance their title credentials but also pile pressure on their rivals in the chasing pack. Conversely, dropped points could embolden teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, who capitalized on midweek results to narrow the gap.

Defensive issues are emerging for Slot’s side, despite having the league’s best overall record at the back. Their 3-3 draw at Newcastle midweek, where Mohamed Salah starred but Caoimhin Kelleher’s late error allowed Fabian Schar’s equalizer, marked the fourth consecutive away game where Liverpool conceded at least two goals. This trend, combined with their inability to close games recently, may cause concern ahead of the high-stakes derby.

Team News

Liverpool remain without defenders Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, whose absences were notable during Wednesday’s draw against Newcastle, where Joe Gomez struggled defensively. With Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to return, Jarrell Quansah could partner Virgil van Dijk at the back.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is nearing a return, but Slot has suggested he wouldn’t rush him back despite Kelleher’s recent costly mistake. Alexis Mac Allister is suspended after accumulating bookings, while Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are unlikely to be risked in such a high-intensity encounter.

Mohamed Salah will again be pivotal, having overtaken Erling Haaland as the Premier League’s top scorer with his brace midweek. His assist for Curtis Jones also set a record for most Premier League games with both a goal and an assist (37), surpassing Wayne Rooney.

Conclusion

Everton’s emphatic midweek victory may have lifted spirits at Goodison Park, but history heavily favors Liverpool in this fixture, with the Reds boasting dominance over their Merseyside rivals, winning 48 of their 54 meetings since 2000.

Even in periods when Liverpool weren’t at their peak, they often managed to outperform Everton, and now they really need to react after dropping points against Newcastle.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: BetUS