Everton player
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As the Premier League title race enters its decisive phase, Liverpool host Everton in the 246th Merseyside derby on Wednesday, April 2, with kickoff at 8:00 PM BST.
The Reds, 12 points clear at the summit, aim to avenge February’s contentious 2-2 draw at Goodison Park while edging closer to a record 20th league title.
Everton is currently in 15th and is moving away from relegation as both sides prepare for fa ixture steeped in local pride and historical tension.
Liverpool’s commanding 12-point lead over Arsenal means victory would leave them requiring just 16 points from their final eight games to mathematically secure the title.
However, memories of February’s fiery 2-2 draw linger, where controversial refereeing decisions and Jordan Pickford’s time-wasting tactics frustrated Arne Slot’s side
Both clubs unsuccessfully lobbied the Premier League to move the derby to April 1, seeking extra recovery before weekend fixtures. The rejection means Everton faces Arsenal just 60 hours post-derby, while Liverpool visits Fulham on April 6.
For Liverpool, victory would extend their lead and demoralize Arsenal, who play Fulham 24 hours earlier. A loss, however improbable, could reignite the title race.
In terms of Liverpool’s own injury concerns, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a doubt with a knee injury, while Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton remain out with both in rehab from their respective hamstring and shoulder surgeries.
But for David Moyes, he received the bad news that his single senior left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko, sustained a thigh injury during Ukraine’s 3-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium on Sunday.
The defender was forced off in the 67th minute after requiring medical attention and could not continue
The left-back has been ever-present for the Toffees this season, making 29 appearances across all competitions while chipping in with 2 assists.
He will be a big blow for the Toffees should he not be fit for next week.
“I suffered an injury and will undergo examination at the club. I injured my thigh,” he confirmed to Ukraine media
Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov confirmed the seriousness of the injury, stating Mykolenko would undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the damage.
“Unfortunately, he has an injury, he will do an MRI, we’ll see,” Rebrov was quoted as saying by the Ukraine Football Federation’s website.
“I know Vitalii. If he didn’t continue playing, then the injury was really serious.”
So it seems that David Moyes may well be without a key defender for the derby.
With revenge, pride, and silverware on the line, next week’s clash transcends local bragging rights.
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