The Merseyside derby returns on Saturday with Premier League 2025-26 leader Liverpool hosting a stronger-looking Everton in what promises to be a fiery clash at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side is riding high after a scintillating 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, sealed by Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header.
Remarkably, the Reds have found a way to win with goals in the final 10 minutes in every game this season.
“We’re so fit that we’re able to push one more time,” Slot said after Wednesday’s thriller.
“There will probably be games where we need a goal in the last minutes and (other games) we don’t, but what I can assure you, even if we don’t score it, we will try to push for it.
“That is the mentality this team has, but it should not only be about mentality, it’s also how fit we are.”
Britain’s record signing Alexander Isak could see more time on the pitch after playing 60 minutes in his Liverpool debut on Wednesday.
ALSO READ | Liverpool edges Atletico Madrid with last-gasp Van Dijk goal; Pafos holds Olympiakos
“I was positively surprised how fit he was,” Slot said of Isak, who was signed from Newcastle United at transfer deadline.
Everton, under David Moyes, has surprised many this season. Currently sixth, it has shown defensive grit with three clean sheets in its last five matches, and Jack Grealish has been a revelation on loan, injecting flair and creativity in attack.
The Blues’ defensive lynchpin James Tarkowski has also been in some serious form and is anchoring the backline in front of Jordan Pickford.
The Merseyside derby has historically been one of the fiercest rivalries in English football know for producing high-octane encounters.
– With inputs from Reuters
Liverpool vs Everton Head to Head Record
What is the head-to-head record of Liverpool vs Everton in Premier League?
Played – 66
Liverpool – 29
Everton – 11
Draws – 26
What is the head-to-head record of Liverpool vs Everton in overall?
Played – 246
Liverpool – 100
Everton – 68
Draws – 78
Who is the all-time top scorer in Merseyside derby?
Ian Rush of Liverpool holds the mark for the most derby goals with 25.
Dixie Dean of Everton has the second-most goals (19).
Steven Gerrard is the top goalscorer in the fixture in the Premier League era, with nine goals.
Among current players, Mohamed Salah has eight goals in Premier League Merseyside derby.
Liverpool vs Everton – Predicted XIs
Liverpool – Alisson Becker (GK), Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominic Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak Everton
Everton – Jordan Pickford (gk), Michael Wood, James Tarkowsk, Jake OBrien, Cerish Dewsbury-Helbury-Hell, Garden, Garden, Geeye Garden, Team Iroegbunas
Published on Sep 18, 2025
