Everton vs. Liverpool: Everything You Need to Know Before the Merseyside Derby Explodes

The Hill Dickinson Stadium plays host to its first-ever Merseyside derby this Sunday, as Liverpool looks to complete a league double over Everton on unfamiliar ground.

Liverpool secured a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Everton back in September, but their season has gone steadily downhill since that result. Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain was the latest painful setback for embattled manager Arne Slot, who will be desperate for a positive response this weekend.

The Reds currently sit in fifth place and remain on track to secure Champions League football next season, and a win over their local rivals would bolster their European ambitions. However, confidence is low after suffering four losses in their last five matches across all competitions.

Everton still hold European qualification aspirations of their own and trail Liverpool by just five points heading into Sunday's fixture. Having claimed three wins from their last five outings, the Toffees will be targeting a rare triumph over their Merseyside rivals.

Everton vs. Liverpool Score Prediction

More Misery Incoming for Liverpool

Liverpool have rarely risen to the occasion in big matches this season, and they head into Sunday's derby with very little confidence. Following a comprehensive defeat to PSG in midweek and a heavy loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup two weeks prior, there is little reason for optimism.

A mounting injury list and accumulated fatigue will only compound Liverpool's challenges, with key players absent in both defense and attack, making Slot's already difficult job even more daunting.

Everton, by contrast, are largely fit and riding high on confidence after a strong recent stretch of form. Their commanding 3–0 home victory over Chelsea before the international break provides the perfect template for what they hope to replicate this weekend.

Prediction: Everton 2–1 Liverpool

Everton Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

David Moyes has a near-fully fit squad available for the derby, with Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish the only notable absentee as he continues his recovery from a foot fracture. Charly Alcaraz has been sidelined since February but is expected to feature in some capacity this weekend.

Moyes is not expected to alter the side that drew at Brentford in their last outing, with Everton well-rested having played just once since the international break — compared to Liverpool's four matches in the same period.

Everton predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, McNeil; Beto.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Everton

Hugo Ekitiké is the latest Liverpool player to join the treatment room, and his absence will be a lengthy one. The French forward ruptured his Achilles tendon in the PSG match midweek and is not expected to return for anywhere between six and 12 months.

Joe Gomez sustained a less serious injury against PSG, ruling the frequently sidelined defender out of the Everton clash with a muscle strain. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson also remains unavailable, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to experience his first Merseyside derby.

Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endō are all sidelined with long-term problems, while a number of midweek starters may be given a rest on Sunday to keep Liverpool fresh for what promises to be a physically demanding encounter.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Everton (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Isak.

What Time Does Everton vs. Liverpool Kick Off?

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