Match Preview: Liverpool ready for historic Merseyside Derby clash with Everton

In midfield, the problems persist.

Alexis Mac Allister brings composure but lacks the physicality to dominate, while Ryan Gravenberch continues to offer inconsistency in both defensive positioning and overall impact. Against a motivated and structured Everton side, that midfield battle could once again be lost before it truly begins.

Defensively, the leadership of Virgil van Dijk will be tested. The organisation has not been there consistently, and against a side that will feed off energy and atmosphere, any hesitation will be punished.

This is not about tactics anymore.

It is about whether this group can find enough fight to compete.

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Everton: Revitalised and Ready

Under David Moyes, Everton have rediscovered something that Liverpool has lost—clarity.

They are organised, disciplined, and fully aware of their strengths. The new stadium has added energy, the crowd has belief, and the players are responding with performances that reflect both.

This is not a team that will be overawed by the occasion.

They will press with intent, defend with structure, and look to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses—particularly in transition and midfield spaces. Where Liverpool hesitates, Everton will engage. Where Liverpool looks uncertain, Everton will look decisive.

That contrast could define the game.

Because while Liverpool searches for answers, Everton appears to have found theirs.

And in a derby environment, that psychological edge matters.

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Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)

GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

CB – Ibrahima Konaté

CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RW – Mohamed Salah

LW – Florian Wirtz

CF – Cody Gakpo

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Final Word

This feels ominous.

Liverpool, once dominant, now arrives as a side lacking identity and confidence. Everton, once struggling, now looks organised and energised under David Moyes.

Form, structure, and momentum all point in one direction.

If Liverpool fail to respond—and based on recent evidence, that feels likely—then another defeat will not just damage their top-five hopes.

It may bring an unavoidable decision closer.

Because while some continue to suggest Arne Slot will remain, performances like these make that increasingly difficult to justify.

Derbies are about more than form.

But right now, form tells a very clear story.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Everton 2 – 0 Liverpool