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The highly anticipated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 11 February. Originally slated for Saturday, 7 December, the match was postponed due to safety concerns as Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across the west of England. Now, with the new date confirmed, fans of Liverpool and Everton can mark their calendars for what promises to be a pivotal clash.
Fixture Chaos for Liverpool
The revised date places the derby amidst a packed schedule for Liverpool. It falls just days after the FA Cup fourth round (8-9 February) and before a Premier League encounter at Anfield against Wolves on 16 February. Arne Slot’s side, sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, also has European commitments looming.
Photo: IMAGO
The first legs of the Champions League play-off phase are scheduled for 11 and 12 February. However, Liverpool’s exceptional performance in the league phase has almost guaranteed progression straight into the last-16 stage, sparing them the need to participate in the play-offs.
Premier League regulations require postponed matches to be rescheduled within the next available game week. However, Liverpool’s congested fixture list has made that a challenge. Slot’s team will face Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals next week, and any further progress in that competition could see their midweek slots fully occupied until February.
Merseyside Derby vs European Football
To accommodate the rescheduling, UEFA’s approval is necessary to hold a domestic match on a Champions League game night. Reports suggest that such permission has been granted, ensuring no further delays. TNT Sports, the UK broadcaster for both the derby and Champions League matches, has also greenlit the scheduling.
While Amazon Prime has the first pick of Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures, TNT will cover the remaining games. Any potential broadcast clashes with the Merseyside derby have been resolved, ensuring fans won’t miss out on the action.
Photo: IMAGO
High Stakes for Both Clubs
For Everton, this derby represents an opportunity to salvage pride in what has been a challenging season. Struggling near the foot of the table, Sean Dyche’s side will look to channel the spirit of Goodison Park in its final hosting of this iconic fixture before the club’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
On the other hand, Liverpool, under the stewardship of Arne Slot, is chasing domestic and European glory. With their form surging and key players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz delivering standout performances, the Reds aim to maintain their dominance in the league while navigating their jam-packed calendar.
Slot’s leadership has been transformative, as evidenced by Liverpool’s strong defensive record and an attack firing on all cylinders. Speaking about the team’s efforts, Luis Diaz recently praised Salah, stating, “He’s not just a great player but an inspiration. Watching him train is crazy; his work ethic is unmatched.”
A Historic Farewell to Goodison Park
As the clock ticks down on Goodison Park’s era, this match will be steeped in emotion for fans of both clubs. The derby has always carried a special resonance in Merseyside, and this edition—the last at Everton’s historic ground—will undoubtedly add another chapter to its storied history. Whether it’s a moment of triumph for Liverpool or a defiant stand by Everton, the stakes couldn’t be higher
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