Left to right: Everton supporters Keith and Michael ahead of the Merseyside Derby
Left to right: Everton supporters Keith and Michael ahead of the Merseyside Derby
The first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium will take place today. Just under 53,000 supporters are set to attend the sold out Premier League match, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, April 19.
The 248th meeting between the city rivals will mark a historic occasion as Everton play host to Liverpool for the first time at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the waterfront.
The ECHO are outside the ground as thousands of football fans head to the stadium. We'll be bringing you the latest fan reaction, travel updates and best pictures. Follow our latest updates below.
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Joe and his daughter Chloe are in The Denbigh Castle ahead of the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Joe said: “On other home Derby games, we’d already be down in County Road soaking up the atmosphere and it would already be bouncing but it’s a new era now.
“Saying that, I’m expecting something similar today hopefully and it feels like a good build up.”
Joe at The Denbigh Castle
Joe at The Denbigh Castle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Asked to describe her feelings around the first home derby match since Everton moved from Goodison, Chloe said: “I think it's a new era for the club in many aspects, in terms of the transformation with the squad over the last season, in particular the new stadium, it feels like a new beginning, but at the same time, it's hard to articulate.
“It’s obviously not just what happens inside the stadium, it's your routine before and after. And obviously it's still evolving. As more places are opening, I think people are getting settled and what their routine is and what works for them.
“So I think having a derby at this stage in the season, it probably feels more like home than it did earlier.”
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton said: "It’s always an exciting fixture in the footballing calendar when our two historic clubs face each other, but this is particularly special with it being the first Merseyside Derby to be held at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“As with any game, a comprehensive and appropriate policing operation has been put in place ahead of the match. To help achieve this, we have been planning for months with both clubs, as well as Liverpool City Council and transport partners.
"It will be a busy operation around the stadium and we hope that fans attending the match will act as ambassadors for their clubs.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind fans to plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium.
“Road closures will be in place and strict parking measures will be enforced as with every fixture. More officers will be in the area before and during the match to help Liverpool City Council enforce parking restriction.
“As with any large event, we remind supporters to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual activity.
“We hope everyone has a fantastic and memorable time and we encourage everyone to be behave responsibly.”
Supporters are already outside the Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of today's 2pm kick off.
Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Merseyside Derby
Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Merseyside Derby(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Michael tells us he’s pretty confident going into today’s game.
He said: “The new stadium is great and big shout out to the 1878 group who have played a massive part in trying to get everyone together, and they’ve wonders for the club in getting that connection.
Left to right: Everton supporters Keith and Michael ahead of the Merseyside Derby
Left to right: Everton supporters Keith and Michael ahead of the Merseyside Derby(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“They've asked us to get in early as well and we’ve got the parade so it will be a really good build up.”
Keith adds: “I’m as confident as an Evertonian could be on a Derby day! I’ll go 3-1 to the Blues.“
Bob has never never been to the new stadium at Bramley Moore dock. He can't wait for the match to start and is hoping for a 3-1 win for the Blues.
Jason predicts a 2-0 win for Everton, with Beto first goalscorer. Craig wants a 3-0, and predicts James Garner to score anytime.
Perhaps Everton's lucky mascot for the day, Criag tells us: "I've been to two Derby games before before, and considering our record against them, we won both of them. It was a 3-0 game when Andy Johnson scored, and the 2-1 where Dan Gosling scored, so I'm hoping for the hat-trick today.
LTR: Craig, Bob and Jason
LTR: Craig, Bob and Jason(Image: Liverpool Echo)
"Because of all my memories are tied up with Goodison Park, I get emotional walking to the new ground, because that's the new, but I know she is there in the background, so I feel a bit guilty. I've been to some unbelievable games at Goodison, the atmosphere, under the lights on those night games, very very special.
"But I think they've done a really good job with this stadium, and with more and more games, especially the one at Chelsea, its starting to feel more and more like home, and we're expecting an electric atmosphere today."