Preview: Liverpool host Everton in first Merseyside Derby of the 2025/26 season | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Everton – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 20th September 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 12:30 BST

The Merseyside Derby arrives early this season, with Liverpool hosting Everton at Anfield for the first meeting of the 2025/26 campaign. Arne Slot’s side comes into the clash on the back of a thrilling 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, where Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a dramatic win. Domestically, the Reds sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the table but have made a habit of leaving things late — edging past Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley, and most recently, Atletico.

Efficiency in game management remains the big theme for Slot, and against a resurgent Everton led by their legendary figure David Moyes, this derby represents the perfect opportunity to put down a sharper marker.

Everton Availability

Moyes’ return to the Goodison dugout has reinvigorated the Toffees, who look more organised, combative, and threatening than in previous years. Everton’s midfield has regained bite, while their direct style under Moyes is designed to disrupt possession-heavy opponents. Injury concerns remain, with their elite-level defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, out injured. Vitalii Mykolenko should be fit to start this game.

The visitors know their chances hinge on discipline and capitalising on Liverpool’s tendency to give up late opportunities. Derby intensity is Moyes’ hallmark, and expect Everton to press aggressively and commit bodies forward at set-pieces. Jack Grealish is resurgent under a less ball-dominant regime and his counterattacking attributes will be the key focus for the visitors. A scoreless home draw with Aston Villa came after an impressive 2-3 away win over Wolves and a 2-0 home win against Mansfield in the EFL Cup second round. After four games played in the Premier League, Everton sit a superb 6th in the table on seven points.

Predicted Everton Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Jordan Pickford

RB: Jake O’Brien

RCB: James Tarkowski

LCB: Michael Keane

LB: Vitalii Mykolenko

RM: Iliman Ndiaye

CM: Idrissa Gueye

CM: Merlin Röhl

LM: Jack Grealish

ACM: Kieron Dewsbury-Hall

CF: Beto

Liverpool Availability

For Liverpool, the quick turnaround from midweek means Arne Slot will likely rotate in select areas but maintain a strong core. Alexander Isak, who made his debut against Atletico, is in line for his first Premier League start and offers a fresh focal point. Curtis Jones remains unavailable, while Alexis Mac Allister could return to the starting lineup.

Mohamed Salah continues to provide relentless output, while Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as a central figure in Slot’s midfield balance. Jeremie Frimpong may again be a starter, with Conor Bradley pushing for a recall, while Milos Kerkez remains likely to be held back from such a frenetic setting. Liverpool currently sits top of the table on a maximum of twelve points.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Jeremie Frimpong

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

ACM: Dominic Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Alexander Isak

LW: Florian Wirtz

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Derbies are rarely decided by form or statistics, and Everton under Moyes will be combative, structured, and determined to make life awkward for Liverpool. The Toffees’ best chance will be set-pieces and quick counters, with Jack Grealish needing special attention.

For Liverpool, the challenge is to close out the contest with efficiency rather than leaving the door open late. If Gravenberch and Mac Allister dictate rhythm, the Reds will create overloads for Salah and Isak, while Wirtz’s creativity can unlock Everton’s back line. Isak’s aerial threat and mobility could prove a new weapon in this fixture, especially with Van Dijk’s presence at set-pieces. I feel like a return to last season’s midfield triangle is needed and a shift of Wirtz to the wider area can give him more room to work.

The key for Slot’s side is to avoid emotional volatility and simply play their patterns, which is why the veteran, Andy Robertson, will retain his place. If they impose themselves early, this derby could tilt heavily in their favour.

Player to Watch: Alexander Isak

The record signing showed glimpses against Atletico and could use this stage to announce himself properly to the Anfield crowd. His ability to stretch defences and occupy centre-backs makes him central to Liverpool’s attacking game plan.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton