Liverpool vs. Everton: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Liverpool’s attacking firepower and home dominance make them clear favourites. However, Everton’s spirit and resilience could cause issues for a wounded and depleted Liverpool side. Still, though, we think Arne Slot's men will come out on top. Liverpool 2-1 Everton.

The Merseyside Derby is one of English football’s most storied rivalries, and Wednesday night’s clash at Anfield promises to be another chapter in this fierce contest. Liverpool, chasing their 20th league title, host Everton, who are battling to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap. With contrasting fortunes this season, the stakes are high for both clubs.

• Date: 02/04/2025
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Anfield, Liverpool

Liverpool enter this derby as Premier League leaders, sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with nine games remaining. The Reds have been in scintillating form under Arne Slot, winning 21 of their 29 matches this season. Their last outing was a disappointing 2-1 loss to Newcastle in the League Cup final, which was the second of two successive deflating results for the Reds.

Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool, with 11 wins from 14 home matches this season. Mohamed Salah continues to lead the charge, with Luis Diaz providing crucial contributions. However, many of Liverpool’s key players will return from international duty fatigued, and Slot will need to ensure they are sharp and ready for the derby atmosphere.

Liverpool’s recent dominance over Everton in head-to-head matchups adds confidence. The Reds have won 25 of their last 49 meetings with their city rivals and completed seven Premier League doubles since 2000. Another victory here would maintain their momentum as they edge closer to the title.

Everton’s season has been far less glamorous. Sitting 15th in the table, David Moyes’ side have struggled for consistency, with just seven wins from 29 matches. Their last five games have been mixed, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace but also disappointing draws against Wolves and West Ham.

Away from home, Everton have been poor this season, winning only three of their 14 fixtures on the road. Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye are the team's standout performers, with the latter leading the team in goals scored. Everton’s defence has been decent too, conceding an average of 1.24 goals per game—but coming up against Liverpool’s free-scoring attack, it'll be firmly put to the test here.

The Toffees will take heart from their spirited performances in recent derbies, including a hard-fought draw at Goodison Park earlier this season. However, they haven’t won at Anfield since 1999—a record that underscores the challenge they face on Wednesday night.

Liverpool have dominated this fixture historically and recently. They’ve won seven of the last ten meetings and boast superior attacking firepower compared to Everton’s modest output. In the reverse fixture earlier this season at Goodison Park, Liverpool controlled possession but were held to a frustrating draw due to Everton’s disciplined defensive setup.

Tactically, Liverpool will look to exploit Everton’s weaknesses with their high-pressing game and quick transitions. Salah and Diaz will be key in breaking down Moyes’ compact defensive lines. For Everton, counter-attacking and utilising set-pieces could be their best chance of troubling Liverpool’s defence.

This game will be televised live to all subscribed UK viewers on Sky Sports Main Event.

Liverpool Team News:

Predicted lineup: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Everton Team News:

Predicted lineup: Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young; Gueye, Garner; Alcaraz, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto.

Liverpool:

Liverpool have been in decent form over their last five matches, continuing to push for success across multiple competitions. In the Premier League, they secured a convincing 3-1 win over Southampton, preceded by a solid 2-0 victory against Newcastle United. These results underline their attacking quality and defensive organisation. However, their Carabao Cup campaign ended in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to Newcastle in the final, while a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, culminating in a penalty shootout exit, in the Champions League (after winning the first leg 1-0) highlighted the challenges of competing on multiple fronts.

Their ability to respond under pressure has been a hallmark of their season, with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz pivotal in attack. Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding just six during this period, which keeps them firmly in contention for domestic and European honours.

Everton:

Everton’s recent form has been defined by resilience but also frustration, as they’ve struggled to turn draws into wins. They are unbeaten in their last six matches but have drawn five of those games, including a 2-2 stalemate against Liverpool at Goodison Park. A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace was their only win during this stretch, showcasing their ability to compete but also highlighting an inability to close out matches.

Their defensive structure has been relatively solid, conceding just eight goals across these six matches. Dwight McNeil has been one of Everton’s standout performers, contributing key goals and assists. However, their lack of cutting edge in attack remains an issue, as they’ve scored only nine goals during this period. Everton will need to find another level if they are to challenge Liverpool at Anfield.

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