Merseyside Derby Showdown: Liverpool and Everton Battle Lines Drawn

Anfield will stage the 247th Merseyside derby this Saturday as Liverpool and Everton clash for three crucial points and neighborhood supremacy.

Liverpool have begun the new season flawlessly but have needed goals in the 83rd minute or beyond to clinch each of their five wins across all competitions. Lady luck smiled upon them again in midweek when Virgil van Dijk's injury-time header secured their opening Champions League win against Atlético Madrid.

The Reds will be eager to prevent any nail-biting finish on Saturday as they pursue a fifth consecutive Premier League victory. While they haven't reached peak performance for most of the season, they consistently discover ways to emerge victorious.

Liverpool have controlled this matchup since the dawn of the 21st century and have suffered just one defeat at home to Everton in their previous 28 Anfield encounters. They've also claimed the last four matches while keeping clean sheets.

Despite their poor track record against Liverpool, Everton will hold onto hopes of securing a point following an encouraging campaign start. David Moyes has guided his squad to sixth place, collecting two victories and one draw in four matches, and they possess a dedicated and well-structured defense now enhanced by an upgraded attack spearheaded by loan signing Jack Grealish.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Merseyside derby.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Everton Kick Off?

Liverpool vs. Everton Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Liverpool vs. Everton on TV, Live Stream

Liverpool Team News

Alexander Isak made his Liverpool bow in midweek and completed an hour against Atlético. Arne Slot has expressed his "surprise" at how match-ready the Swede appeared despite missing pre-season, though there's no certainty he'll start again this weekend.

Hugo Ekitiké might be recalled to the starting eleven in Isak's place as Liverpool gradually integrate their record acquisition, while Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez could rejoin the XI after being benched against Atlético.

Jeremie Frimpong played only an hour in his first start following injury, with Slot's substitution perhaps made with the derby in mind.

Hometown hero Curtis Jones has been absent from the last two Premier League fixtures, but Slot has confirmed his availability for selection.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Everton

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Everton (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.

Everton Team News

Everton were missing defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko in the scoreless stalemate with Aston Villa last weekend, with Moyes indicating they might feature in some role at Anfield. He also mentioned several "injuries within the squad" without providing further details.

Michael Keane will remain as Branthwaite's replacement should he be unavailable, while natural midfielder James Garner filled in at left-back previously in Mykolenko's absence.

Everton are expected to make minimal alterations to the side that drew with Villa, and Moyes will rely on the inventiveness of Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Anfield.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

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

Liverpool vs. Everton Score Prediction

Despite consistent losses at Anfield, Everton consistently challenge Liverpool. They will certainly defend deeply against the title holders and emphasize a cautious strategy, seeking to stifle their opponents' attacking prowess and strike on the break.

Liverpool have scored two goals or fewer in each of their previous six home Merseyside derbies and are unlikely to overwhelm Everton. It will be a tight contest, but the Reds, particularly given their knack for late strikes, will fancy their chances of success.

Prediction: Liverpool 1–0 Everton