Prediction: Everton vs Liverpool

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

The first Premier League Merseyside derby at Everton’s new home takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon, as the Toffees welcome Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium in what already stands as the venue’s most significant occasion.

Everton return from a dramatic 2–2 draw away at Brentford, while Liverpool arrive on the back of a sobering Champions League exit earlier in the week.

Everton

Few Evertonians will ever forget the final Merseyside derby played at Goodison Park, a night defined equally by James Tarkowski’s thunderous volley and Arne Slot’s explosive reaction on the touchline. That unforgettable farewell has set a high bar for the christening of Hill Dickinson Stadium as a derby venue, but anticipation is immense.

Everton’s modern new home feels built for European nights, and David Moyes’ rejuvenated side are pushing to make that a reality. The Toffees begin the weekend within touching distance of the top seven, firmly in the mix for continental qualification and full of belief after a strong run of form.

Last weekend’s trip to Brentford was frenetic, but Everton refused to leave empty‑handed. Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall’s 91st‑minute equaliser rescued a point and denied a direct European rival maximum points, underlining the resilience Moyes has instilled. Ten points from the last 15 available have propelled Everton to within a single point of sixth‑placed Chelsea, and victory on Sunday would see them surpass the 50‑point mark for the first time since Carlo Ancelotti’s 2020–21 campaign.

Home form has been particularly encouraging. Wins over Chelsea and Burnley in their last two league games at Hill Dickinson mean Everton could record three consecutive Premier League home victories at their new stadium for the first time, although Liverpool will also be eager to leave their own mark on the venue’s early history.

Team News

Moyes has few selection headaches. Jack Grealish remains the only absentee with a foot injury, while Carlos Alcaraz’s return has left the squad close to full strength. With a settled XI producing results, changes appear unlikely.

Beto’s header against Brentford marked his fifth goal involvement in four league games, and the in‑form forward has done enough to keep Thierno Barry out of contention.

Liverpool

Liverpool arrive chasing history of a different kind. Having already won at 59 Premier League grounds, the Reds are seeking to become the first club to register victories at 60 different venues in the competition. Achieving that milestone, however, looks a daunting task for a side still reeling from recent setbacks.

Arne Slot’s team at least halted a three‑match winless run in the league by beating Fulham 2–0 last weekend, with teenager Rio Ngumoha and veteran Mohamed Salah both finding the net. Any optimism generated by that result was swiftly extinguished on Tuesday night, though, as Paris Saint‑Germain eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League with a comprehensive 4–0 aggregate victory.

While Liverpool were not overwhelmed in isolation, Ousmane Dembélé’s clinical second‑half brace underlined PSG’s superiority and confirmed another painful European exit. That defeat leaves the Reds having lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, painting a bleak picture despite their continued control of a top‑five league finish thanks to a four‑point cushion over Chelsea.

Away form is a growing concern. Liverpool head to Hill Dickinson on a four‑match losing run on the road across all competitions, and September’s narrow 2–1 home win over Everton does little to inspire confidence given current circumstances.

Team News

Injury woes have worsened. Hugo Ekitike suffered what may be the most damaging blow of Liverpool’s season on Tuesday, rupturing his Achilles and potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the year. He joins Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez on the sidelines.

Alexander Isak will step in to replace Ekitike, but Slot has acknowledged the Swede is not yet ready to complete 90 minutes following his recent leg fracture. As a result, either Salah or Cody Gakpo could be required to operate centrally later in the contest.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s Champions League elimination does not tell the full story of Tuesday’s performance, but it does underline that PSG are simply operating at a higher level right now. Everton are not PSG, yet form, venue and atmosphere all favour the hosts in this historic derby.

The Reds possess greater individual quality on paper, but Everton’s momentum and the intensity of their new home could tilt the balance. With both sides carrying strengths and vulnerabilities, a fiercely contested draw appears the most likely outcome in a derby that promises noise, drama and significance.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet