Match Preview & Report
The Merseyside Derby returns, and with it comes all the passion, history and drama we’ve come to expect. But this time, things feel a little different. Jürgen Klopp has been gone for over a year; Liverpool are now under Arne Slot, and Everton have also moved on from Sean Dyche. The stage is set for a fresh chapter—but the weight of rivalry remains as heavy as ever.
What’s Changed: Management & Identity
Liverpool under Arne Slot
- Arne Slot became Liverpool’s head coach on 1 June 2024, succeeding Klopp, who stepped down after a successful nine-year spell.
- Slot hit the ground running: in his first season (2024-25), he guided Liverpool to Premier League glory.
- His style: drawing from his time at Feyenoord, Slot brings tactical discipline, attacking fluidity, a modern pressing game, and a balance between youth and experience. There’s still the very familiar Liverpool DNA—high intensity, a focus on wide play, overlapping full-backs—but also some new wrinkles. Players are adjusting; expectations are high.
Everton after Dyche
- Sean Dyche was sacked from Everton in January 2025 after a long spell of poor results.
- The club is in a transitional period, both in terms of management and roster. There have been changes in ownership (the Friedkin Group) and in approach.
- For Everton, the priority has become stabilisation: finding a reliable manager, steadying morale, improving attacking consistency, and consolidating defensively.
Current Form & Momentum
- Liverpool have had a strong start to the current Premier League season. One headline is their tendency to win games with late goals—often after the 80-minute mark—which speaks both to resilience and to vulnerabilities earlier in games.
- Everton have had mixed results: some promising performances, especially in possession and creativity, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Their defensive record has been under scrutiny.
Tactical Preview
Liverpool’s Likely Approach
Expect Liverpool to dominate possession, use their full-backs aggressively, and press high. Slot will likely want to avoid letting Everton settle; early pressure, intense midfield transitions, and exploiting wide areas will probably be key. In matches this season, Liverpool have shown both calmness under pressure and a willingness to push for goals late, which suggests they believe they can take over even after slow starts.
Everton’s Counter-Strategies
Everton will probably set up more conservatively. Their defense and midfield will try to stay compact, prevent through balls, and force Liverpool to work for chances. On transitions, set-plays, and aerial duels they have to be sharp. Their attacking players (new or returning) will be under pressure to finish; chances may be limited, so efficiency will matter more than dominance.
Players to Watch
- Liverpool
- Mohamed Salah: still a focal point, especially in breaking down stubborn defence.
- Florian Wirtz: a recent signing, bringing creativity and new energy to the midfield/attacking phases.
- Midfield engine: Slot’s midfielders who can press, recover, and link up play will be essential (e.g. those replacing Szoboszlai when needed, or those who’ve come in to support the high workload).
- Everton
- Jack Grealish: has shown flashes of creativity and that spark that can change games.
- Defensive leaders: people like James Tarkowski or whoever organizes Everton’s backline will be crucial, especially in avoiding late collapses.
- Goal threat: Everton need someone reliable in attack; if their forwards can convert even half of the good chances they create, they could trouble Liverpool.
What’s at Stake
- For Liverpool: to show that the club’s success is sustainable under Slot; to assert dominance over Everton in the post-Klopp era; to maintain momentum in the title race.
- For Everton: to prove that they are moving in the right direction; to get a morale-boosting result; to show fans that change has potential dividends; to perhaps shock Liverpool and gain something from Anfield.
Predicted Line-Ups (Probable)
Liverpool (likely 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Full-backs pushing forward; center-backs solid. Midfield with a mix of creative and defensive duties. Forwards who can stretch the field and exploit transitions.
Everton: probably set up more cautiously, maybe 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1; midfield packed; one forward up front with support; focus on defensive organisation and set pieces.
Prediction & Key Moments
Given Liverpool’s current form, squad depth, and home advantage, they will likely be favourites. But derbies are unpredictable. If Everton can stay compact, avoid being sucked in too far, make the most of counters and set-pieces, and perhaps get a goal early to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, they could force a draw or even pull off an upset.
Likely result: Liverpool to win, perhaps 2-0 or 2-1. However, a 1-1 draw is not out of the question if Everton defend well and capitalize on rare chances.
Conclusion
Two years on from Klopp’s departure, Liverpool under Arne Slot still carry the expectations and hunger of a club used to success. Everton too, though lagging in resources and consistency, are attempting to reimagine themselves. The derby remains a crucible—a test not just of skill but character, identity, and resolve.
Whether it’s Liverpool stamping their continued dominance or Everton making a statement that the tide may be turning, this match will matter. Expect intensity, drama, and moments that will be talked about for months.