Merseyside Derby Preview: Everton vs Liverpool by Gary McCarty 6 December, 2024 The first Merseyside derby of the Premier League season takes centre stage this Saturday, December 7, at Goodison Park. With contrasting form and fortunes, Everton and Liverpool meet in a crucial clash that could shape their campaigns. Adding emotional weight to the occasion, this is Everton’s final campaign at Goodison Park after 131 years, where the Toffees have written some of the most storied chapters in English football history. In more recent times, the narrative has shifted. Everton have had to battle against relegation, narrowly avoiding the drop in recent seasons. They ended the 2023/24 campaign 14 points clear of relegation trouble despite an eight-point deduction. This season, however, the fight continues, with Everton managing only two wins in their first 13 games. Fans will hope for a turnaround, as the Toffees look to honour their storied home with a strong campaign and secure their top-flight status. For betting fans, this match provides intrigue. While Liverpool enters as strong favourites, some still back Everton to surprise, fans can explore Virgin Games casino sign-up offers to add value to backing a determined Everton performance on derby day. Liverpool's Momentum vs. Everton's Struggles Liverpool arrive at Goodison Park as heavy favourites, riding a wave of excellent form. The Reds have won their last five matches, keeping four clean sheets and scoring 13 goals. Their most recent victory, a commanding 2-0 win over Manchester City, further underlined their title ambitions. Manager Arne Slot has navigated injury challenges effectively, relying on his core group of players to maintain momentum despite key absences. In contrast, Everton finds itself in a challenging position. Sean Dyche’s side is winless in its last five league outings, with three draws and two defeats. Goal-scoring has been a major issue; the Toffees have failed to find the net in its last four matches, including a humbling 4-0 loss to Manchester United in its most recent fixture. Defensive organization and attacking creativity will be key for Everton to halt Liverpool's impressive run. Team News and Key Players Both teams face significant injury concerns. Everton will be without Armando Broja, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Youssef Chermiti, leaving Dyche with limited options. Everton’s standout performer with three goals and three assists this season, Dwight McNeil will shoulder much of the creative burden. Liverpool’s injury list includes Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, and Konstantinos Tsimikas. Despite these setbacks, Slot has leaned on Mohamed Salah, who leads the Premier League with 18 goal contributions this season. Salah’s consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments make him the player to watch in this fixture. Head-to-Head and Prediction In Premier League history, Everton and Liverpool have faced off 58 times. Liverpool hold a clear edge with 26 wins, while Everton have managed just 8 victories, and 24 matches have ended in draws. Recent meetings reflect this dominance, with Liverpool winning three of their last five encounters. However, in their most recent clash at Goodison Park, Everton claimed a rare 2-0 victory in April. Summary The Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Saturday is set to be a historic clash, marking Everton’s final derby at their iconic home ground. Liverpool enters the game in excellent form, aiming to strengthen their title push, while Everton continues struggling near the bottom of the table. With Liverpool’s recent dominance in this rivalry and Everton’s ongoing battle to avoid relegation, the visitors are clear favourites to secure a victory in this crucial encounter.