Everton aiming at the Champions League spot with a win over Liverpool
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 19.04.26. | 14:15
The Toffies could be just two spots below the Reds with a win
Although all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium and the Premier League clash of the year between Manchester City and Arsenal FC, the Merseyside derby is always more than just a game. The city rivals will face off for the first time ever at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking a historic occasion. It’s also a perfect chance for Everton FC to strengthen their case for a UEFA Champions League spot. A win over a struggling rival would bring them within just two points of Liverpool FC.
Liverpool are in shock—four defeats in their last five matches. Manchester City crushed them 4–0 in the FA Cup, while Paris Saint-Germain comfortably beat them twice (2–0, 2–0) in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Since early March, the Reds have played 10 matches in all competitions and won only three—just one of those in the league, against Fulham FC (2–0). History doesn’t favor the more decorated club either. Of the last 15 derbies where Everton were the hosts, Liverpool have won only three—the last time back in 2021. Ten of those matches ended in draws, a result that suits neither side.
A major blow for Liverpool is the injury to Hugo Ekitike, who has ruptured his Achilles tendon. Not only is his season over, but he may miss the rest of the year. His absence is huge—he’s been the team’s top scorer and the only forward consistently delivering, unlike the underwhelming Mohamed Salah, the expensive but disappointing Alexander Isak (who has struggled with injuries), and the also underperforming Florian Wirtz. Manager David Moyes has a full squad available for Everton, while Arne Slot is without several players, including Ekitike, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, goalkeeper Alisson, and Leoni. In Ekitike’s absence, Cody Gakpo could play as a “false nine,” while Isak may be used as an impact substitute.
Recently, Everton’s standout performer has been Beto, who scored twice and won a penalty against Chelsea FC, and also found the net last week against Brentford FC. Moyes is unlikely to change a winning formula, so Beto should lead the line again, supported by Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye on the wings, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall orchestrating in midfield. In the first meeting earlier this season at Anfield, Liverpool FC won 2–1 thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, while Abdoulaye Doucoure pulled one back for Everton.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 33
Saturday
Brentford - Fulham 0-0
Leeds - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)
/Justin 18, Okafor 20, Calvert-Lewin 90+5 pen/
Newcastle - Bournemouth 1-2 (0-1)
/Osula 68 - Tavernier 32, Truffert 85/
Tottenham - Brighton 2-2 (1-1)
/Porro 38, Simons 77 - Mitoma 45+3, Rutter 90+5/
Chelsea - Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)
/Cunha 43/
Sunday
16.00: (1.70) Aston Villa (3.60) Sunderland (5.30)
16.00: (3.00) Everton (3.40) Liverpool (2.35)
16.00: (1.50) Nottingham Forest (4.20) Burnley (6.75)
18.30: (1.85) Manchester City (3.80) Arsenal (4.05)
Monday
22.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.35) West Ham (2.95)
***odds are subject to change***