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When Everton vs Liverpool is 'likely' to be rescheduled and it's the worst possible scenario for Arne Slot

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces a potential headache following the postponement of Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton.

The final Premier League meeting between the two sides to take place at Goodison Park was called off just hours before kick-off due to safety fears surrounding Storm Darragh.

Officials from both clubs, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council decided that the risk was too great to players and spectators to allow the match to go ahead.

The decision came after the Met Office warned that Storm Darragh was expected to bring winds of up to 90mph (144kmph).

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance," read a club statement from Everton.

The timing of the postponement will frustrate both Liverpool and Everton supporters.

Slot's side could see their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to just four points if either Arsenal or Chelsea win this weekend. Arsenal travel to face Fulham on Sunday, while Chelsea visit Tottenham later that afternoon.

Everton, meanwhile, were set to head into the derby with some momentum after thrashing Wolves 4-0 in their last Premier League match.

Both sides will now have to wait to find out the rescheduled date for the match, with the Premier League confirming it is yet to be decided.

"Today’s Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed due to safety concerns caused by the adverse weather conditions. The rearrangement of the fixture will be announced in due course," read a statement.

When could Everton vs Liverpool be played?

It will be difficult to find an available slot for the match in the coming months as Liverpool are still involved in all four competitions this season.

Their participation in the newly-expanded Champions League complicates matters, with the Reds already through to the next round of the competition but still needing to play three remaining league phase matches.

Liverpool are also due to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 18, which could precede semi-final encounters on January 6 and February 3, as well as the final on March 16.

Arne Slot will have to deal with a congested fixture list (Image: Getty)

Arne Slot will have to deal with a congested fixture list (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Everton and Liverpool both begin their FA Cup journeys on January 11 with third round matches against Peterborough and Accrington Stanley respectively.

Sportsmole has identified the most likely date for the rearranged derby fixture, with a 'midweek game in the first couple of weeks of February seemingly the best bet'.

As Liverpool should bypass the Champions League knockout round play-offs, due to be played on February 11-12 and February 18-19, it could allow the match to be staged in this period.

However, this would be a frustrating outcome for Slot, who will be keen for his players to have a period of rest following a relentless run of fixtures over the festive period and at the start of 2025.

Liverpool are also due to face title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on February 22 and Slot will be desperate to avoid overworking his players ahead of that crucial match.

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