*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Liverpool come into Wednesday's match as the favourites, despite Everton's impressive unbeaten run in the Premier League since January 15. The first leg at Goodison Park ended in a 2-2 draw, and this encounter promises to be just as thrilling.
The Reds have had a difficult few weeks, having been eliminated from the Champions League by PSG, despite holding a one-goal advantage after the first leg, and then losing the League Cup final to Newcastle United after being outplayed in all aspects for 90 minutes.
With the league now their only focus for the remainder of the season, Liverpool are still in a strong position to claim the title. With just nine games to go, they sit at the top of the Premier League, 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal.
Anfield has remained a fortress this season, with Liverpool losing just one home match, to Nottingham Forest (0-1) at the beginning of the campaign. Other than that, only Fulham (2-2) and Manchester United (2-2) have managed to avoid defeat at Anfield. Their most recent win came four weeks ago when they triumphed 3-1 over Southampton, despite trailing 1-0 at half-time. Darwin Nunez equalised, and Mohamed Salah scored twice in the second half to seal the comeback.
On the individual front, Mohamed Salah is in the form of his life. With 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, the Egyptian King has even been mentioned as a potential Ballon d'Or contender, despite Liverpool’s absence from the Champions League. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo, who cost €42 million from PSV, has been another key contributor, though he's been limited in recent weeks due to a minor injury.
Unfortunately, Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold for this crucial encounter.
On the other hand, Everton has had a mixed season. Following a poor start, they replaced Sean Dyche with David Moyes,who has helped the Toffees put together a nine-match unbeaten run since his return to Goodison Park.
With 34 points from 87 available, Everton currently sit in 15th place, 17 points above the relegation zone. While they’re not mathematically safe yet, their chances of falling into the bottom three are slim.
After three consecutive draws (2-2 vs Manchester United, 1-1 vs Brentford, 1-1 vs Wolves), Everton hosted West Ham before the international break, and despite starting brightly, they conceded to Tomas Soucek and had to settle for a 1-1 draw after a late equalizer.
Everton’s attack has been underwhelming this season, with just 32 goals scored in 29 matches—one of the worst attacking records in the league. Away from home, they’ve managed only 11 goals, the worst record in the Premier League.
The team’s top scorers, Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, have each netted eight goals, but Ndiaye is a doubt for this match after picking up an injury in the previous Merseyside Derby. Idrissa Gueye, though not quite the player he was at PSG, has been one of Everton's most important figures, missing just one game all season.
Everton will also be without Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dwight McNeil for this match.
Head-to-Head in the Last 5 Meetings:
- 12 February 2025: Everton 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 24 April 2024: Everton 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 21 October 2023: Liverpool 2-0 Everton (Premier League)
- 13 February 2023: Liverpool 2-0 Everton (Premier League)
- 3 September 2022: Everton 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Betting Suggestions:
- Liverpool to win: Liverpool are the clear favourites in this encounter, with their superior squad and home advantage.
- Over 2.5 goals: Given the attacking quality of Liverpool, coupled with Everton’s defensive issues, over 2.5 goals seems likely.
- Both teams to score: Everton have shown resilience in recent derbies, and with the attacking threat of Beto and Ndiaye (if fit), they could give Liverpool's defence plenty to do.
- Mohamed Salah to score anytime: Salah has been in exceptional form, and he's always a threat in these high-profile matches.