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Preview: Liverpool and Everton meet for first derby of 2025/26

Preview: Liverpool and Everton meet for first derby of 2025/26

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Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the 247th Merseyside derby.

By Matt Smith

Bragging rights across the city are to play for as the champions of England face an Everton side who have enjoyed an impressive start to the season. 

The two sides met earlier this year at Anfield, with the late Diogo Jota scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory. In the reverse fixture, the Toffees secured a last-minute equaliser thanks to a thunderous volley from James Tarkowski. 

Last season’s results

Team news

Arne Slot confirmed to the media on Friday that Curtis Jones, who has been missing of late due to injury, is back with the squad ahead of the game against Everton. Alexander Isak made his debut for the Reds against Atlético during the week, but Slot was fairly cautious on whether he would start this weekend. 

David Moyes has suggested that Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko are ‘making progress’ ahead of the game against Liverpool, but he wasn’t willing to confirm whether they would be available.

Liverpool struggling to create, but it’s not mattered

Liverpool haven’t fully clicked in the final third yet this season, and it’s no surprise as they look to bed in new signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Although they sit top of the Premier League on 12 points out of a possible 12, they’ve not been as creative as Slot might have hoped in comparison to their peers.

Seven teams in the Premier League, including rivals Everton, have created more expected goals this season than Liverpool. What they have been is clinical, often scoring late winners to seal three points, showing their mentality to keep going until the end. Whether that’s sustainable, remains to be seen.

Everton solid at both ends of the pitch

As mentioned, the Toffees have shown more creativity in the final third than we’ve seen in previous years, producing 6.4 expected goals from just four games. They’ve also remained resolute at the back, conceding just 0.8 goals per match.

This kind of form is the reason why they are sitting in the top half of the Premier League table, and if they continue staying compact at the back and free-flowing in attack, then they could enjoy an impressive season under David Moyes.

Jack Grealish vs… 

The most interesting battle is going to be between Jack Grealish and…whoever Liverpool decide to play at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai has been utilised this season, but he often tucks into midfield, leaving gaps.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley are other options, but the former spends most of his time in the opposition half, while the latter is still inexperienced. The battle between Grealish and Liverpool’s right-back will be one to watch, with Grealish enjoying a sensational start to the campaign, and he’s looking like he’s close to being back to his best.

Prediction

Although the Toffees have shown plenty of improvement this season, they always struggled at Anfield and have won just once there in the last 25 years. We’re going for a 1-0 Liverpool victory. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Liverpool and Everton meet for first derby of 2025/26

Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the 247th Merseyside derby.

By Matt Smith

Bragging rights across the city are to play for as the champions of England face an Everton side who have enjoyed an impressive start to the season. 

The two sides met earlier this year at Anfield, with the late Diogo Jota scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory. In the reverse fixture, the Toffees secured a last-minute equaliser thanks to a thunderous volley from James Tarkowski. 

Last season’s results

Team news

Arne Slot confirmed to the media on Friday that Curtis Jones, who has been missing of late due to injury, is back with the squad ahead of the game against Everton. Alexander Isak made his debut for the Reds against Atlético during the week, but Slot was fairly cautious on whether he would start this weekend. 

David Moyes has suggested that Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko are ‘making progress’ ahead of the game against Liverpool, but he wasn’t willing to confirm whether they would be available.

Liverpool struggling to create, but it’s not mattered

Liverpool haven’t fully clicked in the final third yet this season, and it’s no surprise as they look to bed in new signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Although they sit top of the Premier League on 12 points out of a possible 12, they’ve not been as creative as Slot might have hoped in comparison to their peers.

Seven teams in the Premier League, including rivals Everton, have created more expected goals this season than Liverpool. What they have been is clinical, often scoring late winners to seal three points, showing their mentality to keep going until the end. Whether that’s sustainable, remains to be seen.

Everton solid at both ends of the pitch

As mentioned, the Toffees have shown more creativity in the final third than we’ve seen in previous years, producing 6.4 expected goals from just four games. They’ve also remained resolute at the back, conceding just 0.8 goals per match.

This kind of form is the reason why they are sitting in the top half of the Premier League table, and if they continue staying compact at the back and free-flowing in attack, then they could enjoy an impressive season under David Moyes.

Jack Grealish vs… 

The most interesting battle is going to be between Jack Grealish and…whoever Liverpool decide to play at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai has been utilised this season, but he often tucks into midfield, leaving gaps.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley are other options, but the former spends most of his time in the opposition half, while the latter is still inexperienced. The battle between Grealish and Liverpool’s right-back will be one to watch, with Grealish enjoying a sensational start to the campaign, and he’s looking like he’s close to being back to his best.

Prediction

Although the Toffees have shown plenty of improvement this season, they always struggled at Anfield and have won just once there in the last 25 years. We’re going for a 1-0 Liverpool victory. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.