Hello and welcome to the ECHO's live coverage of Arne Slot's press conference to preview Liverpool's clash with Everton in the Premier League.
The media briefing on the eve of the game signals the end of what has been a prolonged break for the Reds. They were last in action two-and-a-half weeks ago in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United. Earlier the same week, they had been eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
The derby gives Liverpool the chance to get back on track in their main ambition for the season though, which is winning the Premier League title. They currently hold a 12-point lead over Arsenal, although the Gunners can cut that to nine on Tuesday night when they host Fulham.
Everton are on a strong run of form, with no defeats in their last nine Premier League games. The last meeting between the two sides was only in February, when a late goal from James Tarkowski saw the Blues grab a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. Slot was sent off for his furious reaction to the goal.
The action on the pitch won't be the only matter Slot is asked about. Trent Alexander-Arnold's future will be another talking point more reports emerged during the break about a potential move to Real Madrid.
The press conference is set to start at 10 a.m.. Stick with us for build-up, live updates and reaction from the AXA training centre.
09:13Theo Squires
> It was good to see he impacted the game when he came on. It's good to see all these players are ready. He's in competition with Mo Salah. That makes it tough for him but we can trust him.
09:12Theo Squires
> In the final stages of the season, every game matters. Nine finals but it is for every team. These games are very important for us, starting with Everton. Not only because it's the derby but because we're in such a great position as well.
09:11Theo Squires
> Most of our players played one week. Everybody can understand the position we are in. We are so looking forward to these nine games. Our players are refreshed. It's not all negative. We played a final and we got beaten to a very good PSG team. I was proud of our performance against PSG. Maybe the best performance this season but unfortunately we lost on penalties.
09:10Theo Squires
> I hope I would act differently but I can't promise that. I experienced eight minutes of so many controversies against us. I don't think I will experience that again but you never know.
09:09Theo Squires
> I expect the same but with one difference. When Everton players do well, they won't get cheers. Our players will. That is a different emotion. Football-wise it is the same. David Moyes hasn't lost a game in the last nine league games so it would be strange if they did something different. But we are top of the league so it would be strange if we did something different.
09:08Theo Squires
> That was the first time we deserved to lose a game. There were not many things to like from the final. All of them played important international games. Like me, they were disappointed for us not winning our first trophy and being out of Europe. In the final, we were outworked. That's not what I like.
09:06Theo Squires
> It is a situation that is here for eight months. They have done so well in these circumstances.
09:05Theo Squires
> His situation is unfortunately that he is injured. For him, that means he is fully focused on his recovery. We're trying to help him to come back. We've never been focussed on those talks.
09:02Theo Squires
We were scheduled to get underway at 9am. Tut tut. Not long to wait now.
08:53Theo Squires
Morning everyone! It's been a long two-and-a-half weeks but we're back at the AXA to hear from Arne Slot.
Expect an injury update and questions on Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at least, plus all your usual derby queries.
21:39Matt C Jones
Welcome back - it's been a while hasn't it?
Arne Slot will face the media today ahead of the Merseyside derby. And after a two-and-a-half week break, there's plenty to talk about.
The match itself, the title tace and the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold will all definitely be on the agenda.