Premier League leaders, Liverpool are set to take on Everton in the much-anticipated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, following its earlier postponement caused by the disruption from Storm Darragh.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, the game’s delay has given both teams extra time to fine-tune their strategies, heightening the anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
This fixture will go down in history as the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, with Everton preparing to move into their new stadium.
Liverpool’s Injury Updates: Trent Nears Return
Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered some hope ahead of the match, confirming that vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold could return after resuming partial training following an injury sustained earlier this month against Bournemouth.
“Trent has done parts of training sessions with us,” Slot revealed during Tuesday’s press conference. “Not ‘sessions’, a session, yesterday. So, let’s see how he is today. He will train, hopefully, with us again and then we have to decide if we take him to the game, yes or no.”
However, the Reds will be without Joe Gomez, who recently aggravated a recurring leg injury during his return against Plymouth Argyle.
Slot confirmed that the versatile defender is still being assessed and won’t be available for tonight’s game.
“Joe, it’s the same leg where he had the injury last time,” Slot explained. “We are still assessing that, but he will definitely not be available tomorrow.”
Midfielder Tyler Morton remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
Everton’s Preparations and Injury News
On the other side, Everton manager, David Moyes, hopes to have left-back Vitalii Mykolenko back in time for the clash after the Ukrainian international missed the Toffees’ FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth.
“He’s started some training today, so hopefully he could be available,” Moyes said. “That’s probably the main one.”
While Moyes acknowledged the widening gap between the two rivals, he stressed his determination to close it.
“I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is as big as it’s been for a long time,” he admitted. “It’s something I have to start bridging, bringing my club closer to their club.”
High Stakes in a Historic Night
With both sides desperate for points, the contest is expected to be fiercely competitive. Moyes called on the Goodison Park faithful to help make the occasion unforgettable.
“All we need is the support behind us – which they have been since I came back. They’ve been absolutely brilliant,” Moyes said. “We want to put on a spectacle at Goodison, and hopefully, a great game.”
What’s at Stake?
A win for Liverpool would be a significant boost in their pursuit of the Premier League title, stretching their lead over second-placed Arsenal to nine points.
Securing all three points tonight would take the Reds to 59 and strengthen their title charge after a recent FA Cup setback.
For Everton, currently in 16th place with 26 points, a victory would ease their relegation worries, pushing them to 29 points and giving them some breathing space.
More importantly, it would be a historic moment—a fitting farewell to Goodison Park in the last home derby before their move.
With pride, history, and crucial points on the line, the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to be a spectacle under the lights.
