The atmosphere is electric on Merseyside as Everton prepare to host their first-ever derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. For the Toffees, this isn't just another match; it's a chance to make history and close the gap on their illustrious neighbors in the most dramatic fashion.
David Moyes's men are riding a wave of confidence, entering this historic clash in their most stable form for years. With three wins in their last five Premier League outings, European football is suddenly a tangible dream. Sitting eighth and just five points behind Liverpool, a victory today would catapult them to within two points of the Champions League places, adding immense stakes to an already fiery fixture.
Everton have found a rhythm at their new home, winning their last two league matches there. They now aim for a third consecutive home win—a feat that took 18 games to achieve at Goodison Park. However, derby history looms large. Overcoming a psychological hurdle is key, as the Toffees have managed just five wins in their last 52 league meetings with Liverpool since the turn of the century.
Team news brings a significant boost for the home side. Manager David Moyes has confirmed the timely return of Charly Alcaraz, with the Argentine playmaker back in full training after a lengthy absence. The squad is reportedly near full fitness, with only the long-term injured Jack Grealish definitively ruled out.
Leading the line will likely be the in-form Beto, who has been directly involved in five goals over his last five appearances—a return matched only by Bruno Fernandes and Igor Thiago since late February. The defensive backbone remains solid, with Jordan Pickford in goal behind the reliable centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, who will be desperate to secure a rare derby clean sheet.
In midfield, the width will be provided by Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, while the creative burden falls to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the number ten role. Everton will look to exploit any fatigue in a Liverpool side reeling from a midweek European exit. A win would see Everton reach the 50-point mark for the first time since 2021, a symbolic milestone in their resurgence. With the "1878s" supporters' group planning a special welcome, the stage is set for Moyes's men to rise to the occasion and write a new chapter in this storied rivalry.