Everton, Liverpool, Sean Dyche
Everton host Liverpool on Saturday. (Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Thu 5 December 2024 17:40, UK
Everton will host the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Saturday as league leaders Liverpool make the short journey.
An emphatic 4-0 hammering of Wolves will provide a good platform to build from for the Toffees ahead of what will be the final contest played between the fierce rivals at Goodison before Everton move stadiums.
Rivals Liverpool will be looking to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League after dropping points against Newcastle midweek.
Preview
Under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, it’s been a fairly dismal season for Everton so far although their win against Wolves somewhat lifted spirits on Merseyside.
The ex-Burnley boss remains under pressure at Goodison Park, although if he can conjure up a win against their fierce rivals, a remarkable amount of credit may be added to his bank among Everton supporters.
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Should the Toffees avoid defeat, they could leapfrog West Ham in the table depending on the Hammers’ result against Wolves on Monday.
With the new stadium due to open ahead of the 25/26 season, the encounter against Liverpool will be the last of its kind at Goodison Park and ending the stay on a high could be of great significance.
Everton stadium Goodison Park
Everton play their home games at Goodison Park.
Dyche’s side have just three wins so far this campaign and an encounter against Liverpool provides a huge test although the home advantage could play a big role.
Form Guide (Premier League)
Everton: LDDLW
Liverpool: WWWWD
Head-To-Head (Premier League)
Everton 2-0 Liverpool (April 2024)
Liverpool 2-0 Everton (October 2023)
Liverpool 2-0 (February 2023)
Everton 0-0 Liverpool (September 2022)
Liverpool 2-0 Everton (April 2022)
Team News
The Toffees were boosted by the return of Armando Broja against Wolves, adding extra firepower to an attack that has largely been lacklustre this season.
Perhaps even more fortunately, Dyche will be pleased that his side got through the encounter with no new injury concerns despite a slight scare for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Youssef Chermiti remains the only long-term absentee for the Toffees.
Armando Broja
Armando Broja signed for the Toffees from Chelsea [Credit: Everton Football Club on YouTube]
As for the visitors, Arne Slot will be without several first-team players with Diogo Jota not involved against Newcastle.
Ibrahima Konate, Federico Chiesa and Alisson remain injured.
Predicted lineups
Everton: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin
Liverpool: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomes, Van Dijk, Robertson, MacAllister, Gravenberch, Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Gakpo
Where to watch?
The Merseyside Derby will be available to watch for UK residents on TNT Sports and Discovery+ with the game set for a 12:30 pm kick-off GMT.
Prediction – Everton 2-0 Liverpool
While it may seem ambitious, the home side haven’t lost in this Derby since 2021, with a 2-0 victory for the hosts in four of the last five encounters.
With it set to be the last clash between the two sides at Goodison Park, the Toffees’ faithful will no doubt be up for it and that will have a huge effect on the players.
All eyes on Saturday.
In other Everton news, Roma are keen on signing one Toffees star in January.
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