The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is set to take place today, February 12, 2025, at Goodison Park, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM GMT. This fixture, originally slated for December 7, 2024, was postponed due to safety concerns arising from adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh.
Historical Context
The Merseyside derby is one of the most storied rivalries in English football, with today’s match marking the 245th meeting between Everton and Liverpool. This encounter holds added significance as it is expected to be the final derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s anticipated move to their new stadium. For decades, Goodison Park has been the setting for dramatic clashes between the two Merseyside giants, and today’s match will be another chapter in its rich history.
Team Form and Recent Performances
Everton’s Resurgence Under David Moyes
Since the appointment of David Moyes, Everton has experienced a resurgence, securing three wins in their last five Premier League matches. Notably, they achieved a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace and a 1-0 win over Brighton. Moyes has instilled a disciplined and structured approach, making Everton more compact in defense while capitalizing on counter-attacks and set-piece situations. This renewed form has lifted the Toffees out of the relegation zone and given fans hope for a positive second half of the season.
Liverpool’s Title Ambitions
Liverpool, on the other hand, is aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Despite a recent setback in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle, the Reds remain focused on their league campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side has been in strong form, with key victories over Manchester United and Tottenham, reinforcing their credentials as title contenders. However, their recent struggles against teams employing low defensive blocks raise questions about how they will break down Everton’s disciplined setup.
Key Players and Team News
Everton’s Key Players
For Everton, defender Vitalii Mykolenko is expected to return to the lineup, bolstering their defensive options. Midfield dynamo Amadou Onana will be crucial in breaking up Liverpool’s attacking moves, while Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucouré will provide the attacking spark on counter-attacks. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence up front could pose a threat to Liverpool’s defense, particularly in aerial duels.
Liverpool’s Injury Concerns and Key Players
Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez due to injury, and while Trent Alexander-Arnold is available, he is not anticipated to start. The absence of Gomez could expose Liverpool’s backline, particularly against Everton’s set-piece threats. Mohamed Salah’s return to full fitness will be a major boost, as his pace and finishing ability could prove decisive. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will be tasked with unlocking Everton’s deep-lying defense, while Darwin Núñez will need to be clinical in front of goal.
Tactical Analysis
Everton’s Tactical Approach
Under David Moyes, Everton has adopted a more disciplined and compact defensive approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities. Given Liverpool’s attacking prowess, Everton is expected to deploy a deep defensive block, utilizing the pace of McNeil and Doucouré to exploit spaces on the break. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Onana playing a key role in disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and launching quick transitions.
Liverpool’s Strategy and Potential Challenges
Liverpool, despite their strong league form, has struggled against defensively organized teams that sit deep. With Everton likely to adopt such a strategy, Klopp’s men will need to find creative ways to break through. The absence of Joe Gomez could leave their defense vulnerable, especially against set-pieces, an area where Everton has been particularly dangerous. Salah’s ability to cut inside and take shots from distance might be Liverpool’s best option if they struggle to penetrate Everton’s defensive lines.
Anticipated Match Dynamics
Historically, recent Merseyside derbies have been closely contested, with the last five encounters featuring two or fewer goals. Given both teams’ current form and the high stakes involved, today’s match is expected to be a tightly fought contest. Everton will likely look to frustrate Liverpool and capitalize on set-piece opportunities, while Liverpool will seek to control possession and create scoring chances through their dynamic front line.
Predicted Lineups
Everton’s Expected XI (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko
Midfielders: Dwight McNeil, Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucouré
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto
Liverpool’s Expected XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz
Broadcast Information
Fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning ahead of the 7:30 PM GMT kickoff. In Ireland, the game will be broadcast exclusively on TNT Sports 1. International viewers can check their respective sports networks for coverage details.
Fan Expectations and Atmosphere
Given that this is likely the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Everton fans will be eager to create an electrifying atmosphere, ensuring their home ground remains a fortress for one last historic battle. Liverpool supporters will also be in full voice, knowing that a victory here could be crucial in their Premier League title challenge.
Wrapping Up
As Everton and Liverpool prepare to face off in this historic fixture, fans can anticipate a match filled with passion, intensity, and significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Whether you’re supporting the Blues or the Reds, the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to be a memorable chapter in this storied rivalry. Everton will be determined to mark the occasion with a famous victory, while Liverpool will aim to assert their dominance and continue their title charge.
Regardless of the result, this clash will be remembered as a defining moment in Merseyside derby history. The stage is set for an enthralling battle under the Goodison Park floodlights—who will emerge victorious?
FAQs
Q: When and where is the Everton vs. Liverpool match taking place today?
a: The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is scheduled for today, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Goodison Park in Liverpool. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM GMT.
Q: Why was the original fixture postponed, and when was it rescheduled?
a: The initial match, slated for December 7, 2024, was postponed due to safety concerns arising from adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. After consultations between the clubs and the Premier League, the fixture was rescheduled to February 12, 2025.
Q: How can I watch the Everton vs. Liverpool match live?
a: In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7:30 PM GMT. For listeners, talkSPORT will provide live radio commentary. International viewers should check their local listings for broadcast details, as availability may vary by region.
Q: What are the current team news and injury updates for both sides?
a: Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko is expected to return to the squad after recovering from injury. For Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in training following a hamstring issue but is not anticipated to start in today’s match.
Q: What is the significance of today’s Merseyside derby?
a: This match marks the 245th meeting between Everton and Liverpool and is notable as the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park before Everton’s planned move to a new stadium. Despite a 30-point gap between the teams in the Premier League standings, both have significant motivations: Everton aims to distance themselves from relegation concerns, while Liverpool seeks to extend their lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.
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