The Merseyside Derby is more than just a Premier League fixture—it’s a fierce battle for city supremacy that stretches back over a century. As Liverpool prepare to welcome Everton to Anfield on April 2, 2025, the stakes could hardly be higher. Liverpool are chasing a historic league title under Arne Slot, while Everton, reinvigorated under the seasoned leadership of David Moyes, are looking to secure their Premier League status for another season.
This blog delivers a full match preview including detailed predictions, tactical breakdowns, probable lineups, and a data-backed look at the latest betting odds. Whether you’re a fan of either club, a football neutral, or a strategic bettor looking for an edge, we’ve got all the angles covered.
Next up: derby day. 🔵#LIVEVE pic.twitter.com/97QAzGdRgi
— Everton (@Everton) April 1, 2025
Current Form & Season Context
Liverpool – Premier League Leaders Aiming to Close the Deal
Liverpool’s league form under Arne Slot has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite recent exits from both the Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League, the Reds remain focused and dominant in domestic competition. They’re unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League games, a run that includes statement wins over Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Slot’s tactical structure blends high pressing with technical control, and the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch offers the perfect balance between creativity and work rate. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk has regained his peak form, commanding the backline with authority and experience.
Last 5 Premier League Matches:
- vs Brighton – Win 3-1
- vs Man City – Draw 1-1
- vs Sheffield Utd – Win 2-0
- vs West Ham – Win 3-0
- vs Luton Town – Win 4-1
Everton – Fighting Spirit Meets Tactical Resilience
David Moyes has brought structure and grit back to an Everton side that flirted with relegation in recent seasons. Now in 15th place and unbeaten in nine league games, the Toffees are finally showing signs of stability. Despite key absentees, they’ve earned impressive results against Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle—thanks in no small part to their defensive setup and Jordan Pickford’s heroics in goal.
Moyes has leaned heavily on a compact 4-2-3-1 system, protecting the backline with a double pivot of Idrissa Gueye and James Garner while allowing Abdoulaye Doucouré freedom to support the attack.
Last 5 Premier League Matches:
- vs Brentford – Draw 1-1
- vs Crystal Palace – Win 2-1
- vs Fulham – Draw 0-0
- vs Nottingham Forest – Win 2-0
- vs Aston Villa – Draw 2-2
Liverpool vs Everton Team News & Injury Updates
Liverpool Team News
Injuries have tested the depth of Liverpool’s squad, but Arne Slot has rotated well across competitions.
Unavailable:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring)
- Joe Gomez (muscular)
- Thiago Alcantara (hip)
- Joel Matip (ACL)
Doubtful:
- Alisson Becker (groin)
- Conor Bradley (knee)
- Ryan Gravenberch (fitness)
Slot is expected to start Caoimhin Kelleher in goal if Alisson isn’t fit, and Jarell Quansah may retain his place at right-back due to the defensive absences.
Everton Team News
Injuries to key attackers have somewhat blunted Everton’s forward line. Moyes will need to be creative if Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil aren’t ready to return.
Unavailable:
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring)
- Dwight McNeil (knee)
- Iliman Ndiaye (foot)
- Orel Mangala (ankle)
Doubtful:
- Vitalii Mykolenko (groin)
Moyes may turn to Beto as the starting striker, with support coming from James Harrison and Doucouré.
Embracing the challenge, not fearing it. 👊 pic.twitter.com/vKbGuHcdf0
— Everton (@Everton) April 1, 2025
Liverpool vs Everton Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3)
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
DEF: Quansah – Konaté – Van Dijk – Robertson
MID: Szoboszlai – Mac Allister – Elliott
FWD: Salah – Gakpo – Núñez
Everton (4-2-3-1)
GK: Jordan Pickford
DEF: O’Brien – Tarkowski – Branthwaite – Godfrey
MID: Gueye – Garner
ATT MID: Harrison – Doucouré – Alcaraz
ST: Beto
Key Battles to Watch
Salah vs Branthwaite
With Mo Salah returning to top form, his matchup against Everton’s young but confident Jarrad Branthwaite will be crucial. Salah’s movement, especially when cutting inside, poses a serious threat.
Mac Allister vs Doucouré
Mac Allister’s playmaking from deep will be key to unlocking Everton’s midfield block. Doucouré, however, has the legs and stamina to disrupt rhythm and spring counters.
Pickford vs Núñez/Gakpo
Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will need to be at his sharpest to contain the duo of Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo, both of whom have the pace and instinct to pounce on half-chances.
Tactical Breakdown
Liverpool will aim to dominate possession and press high, exploiting Everton’s lack of pace in defense. Expect constant pressure from wide areas, especially through Salah and Robertson.
Everton’s approach will be more reactive—defend deep, frustrate the Reds, and hit on the break. With Doucouré as a key transitional player, Everton may find space behind Liverpool’s advanced full-backs.
Set pieces could also be a factor, as Everton possess aerial strength with Tarkowski and Branthwaite.
Liverpool vs Everton Betting Odds
Match Result Odds:
- Liverpool Win: 1.36
- Draw: 5.00
- Everton Win: 8.60
Both Teams to Score (BTTS):
- Yes: 1.85
- No: 1.90
Total Goals Over/Under (2.5):
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.57
- Under 2.5 Goals: 2.40
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Arne Slot on the Merseyside derby and attacking the final nine games of the Premier League run-in 🔴🗣️ #LIVEVE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2025
Conclusion
Expect a tight contest with Everton putting up a real fight. However, Liverpool’s home form, squad depth, and attacking firepower give them the edge. The Toffees may grab a goal, but the Reds should prevail with clinical finishing in the second half.
