Goodison Park will welcome back some familiar faces today as Everton and Liverpool legends join forces for the inaugural Game4Hope charity match – and Tim Cahill is already back on Merseyside ahead of the event.
Footage shared this morning showed the former Everton favourite arriving ahead of his return to Goodison, where he will captain a Merseyside XI containing several of his old Blues team-mates.
Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, Yakubu, Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha are among the former Everton players announced for the game, which will raise money and awareness for Everton in the Community and Shelter.
Cahill leads Merseyside XI at Goodison
Everton great Peter Reid and Liverpool legend John Barnes will jointly manage the Merseyside side, bringing together former players from both clubs alongside names from sport and entertainment.
Cahill is set to be joined by former Liverpool players including Robbie Fowler, David James, Ryan Babel, Jari Litmanen and John Aldridge.
Tony Bellew, Molly McCann, John Bishop, Big Zuu, Still Ryan and James Nelson-Joyce are among the other names announced for the Merseyside squad.
There is no shortage of pedigree in the opposition. Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo will captain the Rest of the World XI, with Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Jaap Stam, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mustapha Hadji, Des Walker and Rachel Yankey among those due to be involved.
Ted Lasso actors Toheeb Jimoh and Moe Hashim, Gladiators star Nitro and former boxing world champion Johnny Nelson have also been announced, while Tinie Tempah will provide the half-time entertainment.
What time is Game4Hope?
Game4Hope kicks off at 4.45pm BST today, Saturday 26 September, at Goodison Park.
The game was originally due to be staged at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before being switched to Everton’s former home earlier this week. The change gives Cahill, Baines, Jagielka and others another opportunity to play at Goodison. The Guide Liverpool
A fan zone around the Park End will also be open before kick-off, with food and drink, interviews and interactive activities available.
How to watch Game4Hope on TV
Anyone unable to make it to Goodison can watch the match live and free-to-air on 5, with coverage beginning at 4pm BST.
Katie Shanahan and Ade Oladipo will present the coverage, which will also be available through 5’s streaming service. Paramount Mediahub
Cahill’s arrival this morning means the build-up is already under way for an afternoon that should provide plenty of nostalgia at Goodison.
The reason for the game goes well beyond seeing some famous names back on a football pitch. Game4Hope will raise funds and awareness for Everton in the Community and Shelter, supporting their work with people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Merseyside and beyond. LinkedIn
For the former Blues involved, it also means one more afternoon at the Grand Old Lady.
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