The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to deliver intense emotions, showcasing passionate battles between Everton and Liverpool. The ever-intense Premier League fixture carries more significance than simple bragging rights, with historical rivalries and future ambitions intertwining dramatically.
For Liverpool, a win is essential to maintain their commanding position in the Premier League with no margin for error. Meanwhile, Everton seeks to solidify their recovery from a turbulent start to the season and climb away from relegation danger.
Goodison Park’s atmosphere will amplify the clash, underscoring the immense significance of the final league derby at the historic ground. Everton’s players aim to give their fans a memorable farewell by upsetting their city rivals and hurting their Premier League title aspirations.
For Liverpool, the stakes remain tied to the title race, making this fixture far more than just a sentimental occasion. Recent derbies at Goodison have delivered intense contests, highlighted by Everton securing a crucial 2-0 victory in their last home meeting.
However, Liverpool boasts superior firepower and tactical depth which gives them a slight edge over their bitter local rivals. Nevertheless, form and tactical aspects usually go out of the window in these derby games with physical superiority taking emphasis.
Arne Slot vs Sean Dyche: The recent form and tactical difference
Liverpool recently dropped two crucial points by drawing 3-3 against Newcastle United on Wednesday, losing momentum in their title pursuit. The Reds remain top of the Premier League table with a seven-point cushion over the London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal.
Everton manager Sean Dyche and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will face each other in Goodison Park’s last Merseyside Derby
Liverpool arrives at Goodison Park as clear favourites over Everton, despite a frustrating draw in their previous match. The Reds have won 18 out of 21 games in all competitions under their new head coach Arne Slot. They also beat Real Madrid and Manchester City in back-to-back games before facing the Magpies on a cold rainy Wednesday.
The Dutchman has made several tactical changes in possession that have helped the team become more efficient in all phases. Slot prefers the same philosophy out of possession that legendary manager Jurgen Klopp deployed at the club during his tenure.
However, in possession, Slot demands more control and dominance which helps the team dictate space in and out of possession. The new style has helped their defence concede only 15 goals with three coming against Newcastle at St James Park. At the same time, Liverpool’s offence remains as threatening as ever, with 49 goals from those 21 games so far.
Everton approach this derby after thrashing Wolves 4-0, opening a five-point gap over relegation contenders and revitalizing their overall confidence. They now seek to spoil Liverpool’s title march, hoping to provide their Goodison’s faithful one final glorious memory on Saturday.
Sean Dyche’s side has found momentum in recent weeks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to form providing them a focal point. The Toffees suffered a 4-0 loss to Manchester United before playing Wolves and a 0-0 draw against Brentford before that. Dyche will stick with his direct style of play, emphasizing aggressive and mid-pressing defending while exploiting Liverpool on counter-attacks.
Liverpool vs Everton: Predicted Starting Eleven
The Toffees won their last game convincingly and face no past repercussions of the intense fixture congestion that Liverpool face. Dyche will keep the starting eleven that helped his team score four goals, hoping for a similar level of performance.
Jordan Pickford will play as the goalkeeper with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaithe covering him as the centre-back pairing. Ashley Young and Vitaliy Mykolenko will play as the fullbacks for the Toffees, covering the flanks against their formidable foes.
Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye will act as the double pivot in midfield, killing the spaces in channels. Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Illiman Ndiaye will play as the attacking trio right behind their number nine Calvert-Lewin.
Everton’s Starting XI: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Mangala, Gueye; McNeill, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
The lack of fixture congestion without any European football gives Everton a unique advantage over their local rivals. Liverpool players struggled with fatigue against Newcastle after playing endless games in quick succession since the October international break.
🔴⚠️ Arne Slot: “Alisson is not ready yet but will be ready soon”.
“Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are also close to returning”. pic.twitter.com/earP1S5n2X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2024
Alisson Becker remains unavailable but Slot confirmed that he is close to returning and replacing Caoimhin Kelleher. However, Kelleher will start the game after his late choice to leave the incoming set-piece delivery resulted in Newcastle’s equalizer.
The costly mistake taught the team that poor decision-making has dire consequences in a title race. However, the Irishman needs to move just like the Reds fanbase as he has delivered too many times before.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will replace Jarell Quansah in the right-back position with fans hoping for the same impact he made against Newcastle in the second half. Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk will play as the centre-back pairing with the emphasis to nullify Calvert-Lewin.
The two centre-backs made a few mistakes due to a lapse in concentration which they need to thoroughly avoid. Andy Robertson will continue to play as the left-back with Kostas Tsimikas injured, enjoying a good return to form.
Alexis Mac Allister will serve the suspension after receiving a soft yellow card against the Magpies. Slot have many strong midfield options with Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai starting this game.
Darwin Nunez has continued to struggle in front of goals as the fans’ patience continues to deteriorate towards the Uruguayan. Legendary forward Mohamed Salah has played a pivotal role for the Reds throughout this season, scoring and assisting crucial goals.
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Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz have enjoyed tremendous form since the start of the season, rotating at the left wing. Diaz played as a false nine against Bayer Leverkusen and scored a hattrick which is something Slot could reimplement again.
Liverpool’s Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
For Liverpool, the priority is clear: maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table and subdue the emotional factor that will surround Goodison Park and Everton on Saturday.