The final Goodison Park derby is set to be an unforgettable night.
Image credit: B/R Football
The historic Merseyside derby returns to Goodison Park for one last time in the Premier League, as Everton and Liverpool face off in a rescheduled clash on Wednesday night.
The fixture, originally postponed due to Storm Darragh, now carries even greater significance—both in the context of the league and for Everton’s long-standing home ground.
A Fitting Farewell Under the Lights
Everton’s final season at Goodison Park has been filled with emotion, and this derby promises to be one of its defining moments.
With a win, the Toffees could secure back-to-back victories over their city rivals for the first time in four decades.
However, history is not on their side—Everton have won just six of their last 54 encounters with Liverpool.
Last season's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Liverpool headed into the fixture looking to go joint-top with four matches remaining, but Everton had other ideas. pic.twitter.com/ceUvXguuFz
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 6, 2024
David Moyes’ return has reinvigorated the team, guiding them to three consecutive league victories, including dominant performances against Tottenham, Brighton, and Leicester City.
However, their FA Cup exit at the hands of Bournemouth was a reminder of the challenges they still face.
Liverpool’s Title Chase & Derby Dominance
For Liverpool, this match isn’t just about local bragging rights. With a win, they could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table and take a step closer to securing the title under new manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s record in this fixture has been nothing short of dominant, and with 99 league wins over Everton, they could become just the fifth team in history to achieve 100 victories against a single opponent.
But despite their strong form, they come into this match on the back of a shocking FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.
Predicted Lineups & Key Absentees
- Everton Expected XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
- Liverpool Expected XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
Key Absences:
- Everton remain without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti, and Dwight McNeil.
- Liverpool will likely miss Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Slot expressed doubts over his availability.
Prediction: Everton 0-1 Liverpool
Everton’s recent form has been impressive, but Liverpool’s experience and quality in key moments could be the deciding factor.
The Reds have a habit of scoring injury-time winners in this fixture, and given their title ambitions, they are expected to edge out a narrow victory at Goodison Park.
Will Everton rise to the occasion and make history, or will Liverpool claim their 100th league win over their Merseyside rivals?
The final Goodison Park derby is set to be an unforgettable night.