The recent international break was quite a thrill. But as it takes a temporary pause, we eagerly welcome back the domestic scene, which returns with some of its best fixtures. The most anticipated one is Liverpool hosting their city neighbors, Everton, for an enthralling Merseyside derby. As fans fervently await this clash, set to kick off at Anfield on Wednesday, April 2025, let’s dissect both teams in detail. After all, the devil is in the details.

Liverpool vs Everton: Preview

Liverpool

The Reds are expected to keep their game face on for this clash, mainly for two big reasons. Firstly, this game presents a significant chance for Arne Slot and Co. to move even closer to the Premier League title. Occupying the top spot with a tally of 70 points, they hold a lead of over 12 points against the second-placed team. Hence, a potential win would only boost their confidence in the title race, which also brings us to the second reason.

“Third time’s the charm”—this must be the only thought running through Liverpool’s mind. To recall, their last two outings have been quite traumatic for the Premier League leaders. First, they endured an unfortunate exit from the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Despite entering the return leg with a slight advantage from a narrow aggregate lead, Liverpool eventually conceded defeat and lost out on penalties, witnessing the end of their European journey on home soil.

The second upset came in the EFL Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, who ended up enjoying a fairytale climax. The Magpies successfully etched a true underdog story, defeating the Reds 2-1 at Wembley and crushing their dream of securing their first silverware under their new manager. Therefore, the pressure is mounting on Arne Slot and Co. to give it their all in the upcoming Merseyside derby—primarily to avoid a third consecutive blunder.

Everton

It has been a rather mixed season for Everton. Currently sitting in 15th place, they share an identical tally of 34 points with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, sandwiched between the two. They trail just two points behind an unfortunate Manchester United.

Since David Moyes took charge at the beginning of the year, you could say things have been relatively under control for them. Though the new boss began his tenure with a narrow defeat to Aston Villa in January, Everton has still managed to achieve some notable results. This includes victories over Tottenham (3-2) and Leicester City (4-0), as well as holding off Manchester United in a 2-2 draw.

However, the Toffees have recently struggled, enduring three consecutive 1-1 draws against Brentford, Wolves, and West Ham. Their last victory came right after the Merseyside derby when Moyes and his men secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Having already faced the Reds once, the Everton boss will likely have a plan of action to spring a surprise on the home side in the upcoming clash.

Injury updates

Liverpool

Speaking of the home side, tensions loomed over their star goalie Alisson Becker after being forced off in the recent international friendly against Colombia. A concussion was suspected to be the main reason for his withdrawal, but fortunately, it’s not as grave as it may seem. Not to mention the special “I’m fine” message that was enough to give ardent Red fans a sigh of relief.

However, there are concerns regarding Ryan Gravenberch, who had to withdraw from Netherlands duty due to fitness issues. That said, BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella reported that it was merely a precautionary measure, a hint that he remains available at Arne Slot’s disposal.

As for those definitely ruled out, the first is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who sustained an ankle knock during the last UCL clash. He is expected to return in mid-April. Next is Joe Gomez, whose season is almost over because of a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, the same goes for Tyler Morton because of a shoulder injury. But on the brighter side, Conor Bradley is expected make his return alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold after recovering from his hamstring issue.

Everton

Vitalii Mykolenko remains one of David Moyes’ biggest concerns after he was pulled out while doing his duty for Ukraine in the Nations League defeat of Belgium. The left-back ended up suffering with an issue in his right thigh. Subsequently, the national team head coach Sergei Rebrov stated that an MRI scan would be required to assess the extent of the damage.

While unable to play against Liverpool, we would see him join the recuperation room alongside Orel Mangala, Iliman Baroy Ndiaye, and Dwight McNeil, who have both been ruled out for the time being due to knee injury, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is rather recuperating from his thigh injury.

Head-to-head stats

Speaking of the overall head-to-head, the two sides have clashed 65 times, with Liverpool emerging victorious in 26 encounters, while Everton has managed just about 11 wins. The remaining 26 matches have ended in draws. Interestingly, it was just last month when both sides locked horns against each other in the Premier League.

That Merseyside derby had ended in a 2-2 draw, which was no ordinary game. Everton, with a home advantage, drew first blood with a goal within 11 minutes, courtesy of Beto. But soon, Liverpool responded with one of their own within five minutes, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister‘s strike. In the latter half, while it seemed Mohamed Salah had surely won it for the Reds with his 73rd-minute strike, the Toffees threw in a plot twist and changed the narrative.

James Tarkowski scored a winner in the stoppage time. In fact, things took a turn for worse as either side ended up being downsized to 10 men. Abdoulaye Doucouré and Curtis Jones both left the field earlier than their teammates.

Expected starting XI

Liverpool: Alisson Becker; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young; Gueye, Garner; Lindstrom, Alcaraz, Harrison; Beto

Who do you reckon will win the Merseyside derby? Sound off your predictions in the comments.