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Merseyside derby: Liverpool vs Everton
After a storm-induced delay, the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is finally set to take place tonight at 7:30pm GMT under the floodlights of Goodison Park.
Originally slated for Saturday, December 7, 2024, the fixture was postponed due to Storm Darragh’s disruptive weather.
Now, both teams have had extra time to prepare, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a fiery contest.
Tonight’s fixture holds historical significance as it marks the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s impending move to their new stadium.
Liverpool’s Injury Woes, Key Returnees
Liverpool will be buoyed by the potential return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been out since suffering an injury against Bournemouth earlier this month.
Head coach, Arne Slot, provided an update in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, revealing that the vice-captain has resumed partial training.
“Trent has done parts of training sessions with us,” Slot said. “Not ‘sessions’, a session, yesterday. So, let’s see how he is today. He will train, hopefully, with us again and then we have to decide if we take him to the game, yes or no.”
However, Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez, whose return against Plymouth Argyle was cut short due to a recurring leg injury. The versatile defender will not be available, and the club continues to assess the severity of his condition.
“Joe, it’s the same leg where he had the injury last time.
“We are still assessing that, but he will definitely not be available tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
Meanwhile, midfielder Tyler Morton remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.
Everton Looking to Bounce Back
For the hosts, manager David Moyes is hoping to have left-back Vitalii Mykolenko fit in time for the clash after he missed Everton’s FA Cup loss to Bournemouth.
The Ukraine international has resumed training and could return to bolster the Toffees’ defense.
“He’s started some training today, so hopefully he could be available,” Moyes said. “That’s probably the main one.”
The Everton boss also acknowledged the current disparity between the two Merseyside rivals but emphasised his commitment to narrowing the gap.
“I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is as big as it’s been for a long time,” he admitted. “It’s something I have to start bridging, bringing my club closer to their club.”
Historic Fixture with High Stakes
With emotions running high and both teams desperate for crucial points, the clash is expected to be fiercely contested.
Moyes urged his players to harness the energy of the home crowd to make it a night to remember.
“All we need is the support behind us – which they have been since I came back. They’ve been absolutely brilliant,” he said. “We want to put on a spectacle at Goodison, and hopefully, a great game.”
With Liverpool aiming to solidify their title push and Everton fighting to climb the table, both teams have plenty at stake.
What A Win Means
PUNCH Online reports that a win for Liverpool in tonight’s Merseyside derby would be a massive step toward the Premier League title, extending their lead at the top to nine points over second-placed Arsenal.
With 56 points already, a victory would take them to 59, strengthening their grip on the title race and providing a crucial psychological boost after their recent FA Cup disappointment.
Securing three points at Goodison Park in the last-ever Merseyside derby at the historic ground would also be a symbolic and morale-boosting achievement for Arne Slot’s side.
For Everton, currently 16th with 26 points, a win would be just as significant but for different reasons.
It would lift them to 29 points, creating a greater buffer from the relegation zone and possibly pushing them higher in the standings.
More than just league survival, a derby victory would be historic—giving Evertonians a memorable farewell to Goodison Park in the last home derby before their move to a new stadium.
With so much at stake, both teams will be desperate for a statement performance under the floodlights.
