The rivalry between Everton and Liverpool, known as the Merseyside Derby, is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in English football. Despite both clubs being based in Liverpool, their rivalry is fueled by deep cultural, social, and footballing competition.
The Merseyside Derby is unique because, despite the fierce competition, there is a level of mutual respect between the two sets of fans. This rivalry is intense, but it is often marked by the shared pride of both clubs in their city. However, this doesn’t stop the on-field action from being full of passion, with hard tackles, dramatic goals, and high emotions on both sides. The games are often high-tempo, full of tackles and emotional moments, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadiums and among fans.
There’s nothing better than a derby when it comes to football and rivalry is what makes a victory all the more exciting. Watch the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on Saturday December 7, 2024 with GOtv and DStv by your side.
Match background
Everton and Liverpool have been rivals for many many years, but with the Toffees now falling behind in terms of keeping up their “winners mentality”, the Reds have had the edge over them in this derby over the last decade.
With Arne Slot continuously impressing in his new role as the manager of Liverpool, will Sean Dyche dust his charges and himself off and hope to bounce back from the embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Manchester United?
Last season, Everton grabbed a surprise 2-0 victory over Liverpool in this match but their manager Sean Dyche warned that they must not get ahead of themselves.
Opinion from the managers
“There are miles to go. It’s a thing I’ve thought about, the truth line of the club,” said Everton boss Sean Dyche. “There has to be a level where everyone across the board gets it. All the fans and all the people at the club and I still think we are not quite there.”
Speaking on the Liverpool YouTube channel, Slot revealed that he had to seek approval before hiring John Heitinga as his assistant, a former Everton player as he was aware it might not be well received by Toffees fans.
“To be fair, I did ask around here: ‘Would this be a problem?’. Would this lead to people saying, ‘What is happening over here?’ And the reaction was that the only problem could be for himself, because of his legacy he had at Everton. Because I don’t think the Everton fans really like seeing him over here,” Said Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Players to watch
Idrissa Gueye, Everton
At 35 years old, Senegalese player Gueye has shown no signs of slowing down as a professional footballer and has locked things down as Everton’s first choice defensive midfielder. His defensive skills will be needed to keep Liverpool’s dangerous attack at bay.
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
The question on everyone’s minds is whether Salah is going to stay at Liverpool or say goodbye and join another club on a free transfer. In red hot form at the moment, the Egyptian’s desire will be to stop at nothing to show that he’s still a world class forward.
Head-to-Head
In head-to-head stats, Everton and Liverpool have met in 203 matches across all competitions
since the 1983/84 season, with the Reds claiming 88 wins compared to 49 for the Toffees, while 66 games have been drawn.
Last season, Everton put a significant dent in Liverpool’s title hopes by beating them 2-0 at Goodison Park in April 2024, and the return fixture which took place on 21 October 2023 ended with Liverpool winning with the same scoreline at Anfield.
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