Everton vs Liverpool

Goodison Park forms the backdrop for the rearranged 245th Merseyside derby between eternal Premier League rivals Everton and Liverpool.

Despite slumping to a 2-0 home defeat against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last weekend, Everton will take the field with renewed optimism after David Moyes reversed their Premier League fortunes. Since returning to the helm to replace Sean Dyche, Moyes has inspired the Toffees to three consecutive league victories, with the last two being followed by a clean sheet. Another shutout is on the cards, considering they’ve avoided conceding in their two most recent H2Hs at Goodison (W1, D1). Interestingly, none of Everton’s last six competitive home outings have ended level (W3, L3), contrasting the recent tradition in this fixture. Indeed, nine of the past 12 top-flight meetings between Everton and Liverpool here have finished all square (W1, D9, L2).

A point wouldn’t satisfy traveling boss Arne Slot, as Liverpool have a golden opportunity to steer nine points clear of runners-up Arsenal in an intense Premier League title race. The Reds have won three successive league matches in the build-up to this derby clash but unfathomably slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Championship basement boys Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last weekend. However, an impressive 19-game unbeaten run in the Premier League (W15, D4) can inspire confidence around the Liverpool faithful. Moreover, the visitors have won their last three top-flight outings via multi-goal margins, increasing the likelihood of a one-sided contest.