Liverpool and Everton had a plan.
A small tweak to the fixture list that, in theory, made sense for both clubs.
The Merseyside derby is always a fiery encounter, but this time, a slight shift in schedule would have helped one team significantly.
However, despite their efforts, their request was turned down.
At this stage of the season, every decision matters.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are pushing for the Premier League title.
Everton, meanwhile, are trying to navigate a tricky schedule.
Sometimes, clubs make fixture requests for competitive reasons.
Other times, it’s about fairness and recovery time.
But in this case, their appeal didn’t get the green light.
The proposal was simple.
Move the highly anticipated Merseyside derby at Anfield forward by one day—from Wednesday, April 2, to Tuesday, April 1.
Both clubs “saw positives” in making the change.
But why? Arsenal’s schedule played a role.
Arsenal face Fulham on April 1 and then take on Everton at Goodison Park in an early 12:30 PM kickoff on Saturday.
By shifting the derby, Everton would have gained an extra day to recover before facing the Gunners.
For Liverpool, this could have also helped their title push by making the league’s schedule more balanced.
However, the Premier League denied the request.
Liverpool and Everton fail in Merseyside attempt bid
The reason why the request denied is because, “The original date did not cause either club to play another match within 60 hours, which is the minimum period permissible.”
That decision is unlikely to sit well with Everton fans at Goodison Park.
The club has already had a strained relationship with the league, especially after their points deduction for financial breaches.
In the end, the Merseyside clubs didn’t get their wish.
The derby stays on April 2, and Everton will have to manage their quick turnaround against Arsenal.
Read more: Fabio Capello lauds Arne Slot performance at Liverpool
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