Anytime Liverpool and Everton meet on the pitch, it feels like a big game, but the one on April 19th at Hill Dickonson Stadium feels especially so. Both clubs are in the hunt for European football next season, with Everton vying for the Europa League and Liverpool the UCL. Here are the keys to securing those crucial three points for the Reds.
Cooling Off The Toffees.
Everton are one of the hottest teams in the EPL, rising to 8th on the table. They have 10 points in their last 5 league matches. Only Arsenal, Brighton, and City have more during that stretch. Everton are led in scoring by Beto, who has four goals in his last 5 game, so a short-handed Liverpool defense, without an injured Joe Gomez, will have to be on point for a full 90 minutes
All Eyes On Isak
While the defense will certainly face challenges, the bigger question may be on the front line. Hugo Ekitike is out for the season, so, as another No. 9, the natural replacement would fall to Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has played pretty well since returning from his own injury, but Arne Slot says he is not yet fit enough for a full match. That means players like Cody Gakpo or even young Rio Ngumoha are going to have to play larger roles in the attacking third. Finding that balance may be a positive for Liverpool long-term as they develop more attacking weapons.
Dealing With Hill-Dickinson
Everyone is talking about how special this game will be as it is the first Merseyside Derby in a new stadium. Slot said in his press conference that it was going to be a challenge, but Everton boss, David Moyas says that there will be difficulties for the Toffees as well.
"When you move to a new stadium, it's always difficult. You look through the records of nearly all the teams who have built new stadiums or moved, I think it's never been particularly easy. We've had our ups and downs in it. We had a great start. Maybe a bit in the middle, not so good. We're finding a little bit better form now, so I hope we can maintain that. We've got three big games to play at the Hill Dickinson before the end of the season. So, looking forward to it and hopefully we can get some good results."
Predicted XI
With the injuries to Gomez and Ekitike, Slot will have to shuffle the lineup a bit. Here is our prediction on how he does it.
LFC Globe Verdict
Anything can happen in a Merseyside Derby, but I think Liverpool take this one. They played very well in their last EPL match vs Fulham and will put forth a similar lineup. Also, with Ekitike injured, it will give Ngumoha and Isak more playing time and a glimpse into the future. I’m excited to see what happens.
Match Predictor
Think you know how the first Merseyside Derby at Hill-Dickinson Stadium will play out? Test your football knowledge with our interactive Match Predictor below! Set your final scoreline, predict the first goalscorer, and choose your Man of the Match. Once you have locked in your choices, download your custom prediction graphic and share it on social media to see if your fellow Reds agree!
Everton FC
Liverpool
Download your scorecard and share it on X using #LFCGlobeMatchPredictor to enter our monthly giveaway!
Where To Watch
| Match Info | UK Broadcast | US Broadcast | Canada Broadcast |
| Kick-off | 2:00 PM BST | 9:00 AM ET | 9:00 AM ET |
| TV Channel | Sky Sports | USA Network | FuboTV |
| Live Stream | Sky Sports Go | Peacock | FuboTV Canada |