After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and suffering heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final, the international hiatus has provided Liverpool players, staff, and fans with a chance to regroup ahead of the crucial season run-in. Despite recent setbacks, Arne Slot’s impressive first campaign in charge remains on course for a historic triumph, with his focus now solely on securing Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
The Reds currently sit in a commanding position atop the Premier League standings, having lost just one league game this term—a record only surpassed by their UCL conquerors Paris Saint-Germain among teams in Europe’s top five leagues. Their dominance is expected to continue against their oldest rivals Everton, with Liverpool having lost just one of the last 27 Merseyside derbies at Anfield (W16, D10).
The last encounter between these sides ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, with James Tarkowski netting a 98th-minute equaliser. Everton now have the chance to claim points in both league meetings against Liverpool for the first time since the 2020/21 season. The Toffees have been resilient of late, extending their unbeaten Premier League run to nine matches (W4, D5), effectively dispelling fears of relegation trouble.
However, Everton have been forced to share the spoils in each of their last four matches, extending their league-high tally of draws this season to 13. Manager David Moyes may not mind another stalemate, considering his dismal record at Anfield—he has lost his last nine visits, while his 19 winless trips to Liverpool’s home ground in the Premier League are the most any manager has recorded against a single opponent without a victory.
Players to Watch: Mohamed Salah has been a key figure in this fixture, having scored and assisted in the reverse fixture while also netting three times in the last two derbies at Anfield. Keeping a close eye on him will be Everton defender Jake O’Brien, who could prove a late-game threat himself, as six of his last seven goals have come after half-time.
Hot Streak: Liverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last 15 domestic matches at Anfield, a statistic that will boost their confidence heading into this crucial derby clash.
