Goodison Park’s long goodbye continues with the final ever Premier League Merseyside derby, bringing the curtain down on 130 years of history.
The first meeting between the sides in 1884 resulted in a 3-0 win for Everton in front of 44,00 people, just two years after the now infamous split that saw the Toffees move from Anfield to Goodison. Oh, how we would take that result now.
They at least go into this game boosted by Wednesday’s crucial 4-0 win over Wolves, a result that could prove pivotal in the final shake up. Instead of going into this imposing run of fixtures one point adrift in the relegation zone, Everton are five points clear. That is still a perilous position, but it at least gives them some breathing space and hopefully means they will not be too deep in the mire should the – as form dictates – lose to Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Everton FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It shouldn’t be forgotten of course that Everton won two of those fixtures last season, the last of which was just eight months ago on that unforgettable night under the lights at Goodison.
That was just Everton’s second win in the last 30 meetings and the first at Goodison for 14 years. If they are to repeat that result here it will take an almighty effort against a Reds side absolutely flying under Arne Slot.
But that 2-0 should be the template. Everton were strong, well-drilled and aggressive, making the most of set pieces. They also relied on some excellent goalkeeping from Jordan Pickford and – as you always need in these games – a little bit of good fortune.
If they can get over the line then it would be a wonderful way to play out what is likely to be the final tussle between these two sides at the Grand Old Lady.
Another factor to throw into the mix is the weather. It is set to be ‘very very wind’ in Liverpool on Saturday as storm Darragh rolls across the UK. That could provide another element of chaos into what is already a frantic encounter.
Previous meeting
Everton 2-0 Liverpool, 24 April 2024
Everton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Everton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
A memorable night under the lights as Everton finally ended their long wait for a Goodison win over their near neighbours.
Jarrad Branthwaite forced the ball beyond Allison for the opener in the first half. before Dominic Calvert-Lewin planted a towering header into the back of the Gwladys Street net after the break to send the crowd delirious.
Team news
Everton FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Everton have no fresh injury concerns after Wednesday’s win over Wolves.
Michael Keane was absent with a knee injury and is doubtful for this game. Armando Broja had a lively cameo off the bench and could play an even greater part against Liverpool.
Youssef Chermiti is still edging his way back to fitness after a foot injury. Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner remain sidelined.
What they said
Everton boss Sean Dyche: “It brings our fans to the fore again... I don’t have the depth of knowledge for these games, it is for the people and the crowds - if we can win, it is for them and not me.
“[The Wolves win] is certainly helpful because a lot of questions have been asked. But we encapsulated that in one performance and knowing their have been signs of that over the past recent run, better signs than the noise, you have to prove it and it is another step forward. We have a pattern of taking steps forward and then moving back, so we have got to keep correcting that and try to go forwards.”
Final word
There is no disguising it, this is going to be a almighty challenge against a Liverpool side, particularly Mohamed Salah, bang in form. But the heat of a derby can do strange things, so if Everton are able to disrupt Liverpool and take what opportunities they have then there is a chance.