Everton v Liverpool LIVE: Team news as Slot makes major call on Ekitike replacement to start derby | OneFootball

Liverpool’s trip to Everton could be key in the race for next season’s Champions League (Getty)

Everton host Liverpool in an intriguing Merseyside Derby in the Premier League, the first to be held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Liverpool finished 36 points ahead of Everton last season in a year where Arne Slot’s side were champions and the Toffees finished in the bottom half of the table under David Moyes.

But both teams are involved in the fight for Champions League qualification this campaign with Liverpool, who are in fifth, arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium just five points ahead of Everton.

Liverpool went out of the Champions League in midweek, losing 2-0 in the second leg against holders Paris-Saint Germain, and were also dealt a major blow with Hugo Ekitike ruled out for the rest of the season.

The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was an instant classic - an explosive 2-2 draw and four red cards after the final whistle - and Everton will hope for more fireworks as they welcome their fierce rivals at their new home.

Everton v Liverpool latest odds

Everton 21/10

Draw 5/2

Liverpool 6/5

Odds via Betfair

(AFP/Getty)

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:05

Everton v Liverpool predicted line-ups

Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto

Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ngumoha

(Getty)

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:55

Liverpool’s rebuild project is now clear – here’s how it might look under Arne Slot

Arne Slot may have two audiences to convince, but his message has been consistent this week. Liverpool’s future will be brighter, he said in the aftermath of their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Which, some would say, it has to be; they do not want another season like this. And certainly not if the current campaign, which is certain to finish without silverware, ends without securing Champions League football for next year.

But if, of the two groups of people Slot needs to persuade that he can oversee that improvement, owners Fenway Sports Group and their representatives at Anfield, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, may be more receptive than a sceptical fanbase. Slot accepts that they will need to glimpse the evidence to support his optimism. “I think people only start to believe when they are seeing it,” Slot said. “That’s what we need to do after the summer, but we are mainly focused here on the upcoming six games because that could also impact our plans for the summer at this club.”

Liverpool’s rebuild project is now clear – here’s how it might look

Arne Slot hopes to reshape Liverpool and blames luck for a testing season, which will result in no silverware, but will he be afforded the opportunity to oversee the project beyond this campaign?

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:45

David Moyes keen for Everton to show new power of Hill Dickinson Stadium against Liverpool

“So many derby matches are played up and down the country and many of them are famous for their rivalry – but the Merseyside derby match is right up there with any which is played in the United Kingdom.

“I was brought up in a city where the rivalry is intense. It’s just as fierce here as it is in Glasgow and it’s an honour to be the manager of one of the teams in this fixture.

“There has always been a closeness between the two clubs in this city and we have huge respect for our rivals. But over the years we have enjoyed some successes against them and we hope we can add to them today.

“Derbies don’t need bigging up and today gives us the opportunity to show off the power of Hill Dickinson Stadium again.”

(Reuters)

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:35

Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer decision helps in battle to qualify for Champions League

Arne Slot hopes Liverpool’s contentious decision to sign two No 9s will prove smart in the battle to finish inside the top five and secure Champions League football next season.

“It's a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.

“Now we thought maybe it's a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that's why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.

Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer secures top five finish

Liverpool splashed up to £204m on Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, but after the French forward’s season-ending injury, Slot hopes the Swedish international’s return can prove timely in the battle to finish inside the top five

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:25

Who will start in place of Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool?

Arne Slot is set to make a major call for Liverpool with Hugo Ekitike’s replacement in the derby.

After a season-ending Achilles injury, Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.

Slot discussed the strategy of spending a total that could rise to beyond £200m on two No 9s, and how that could protect the Reds in the run-in without Ekitike now as they bid to hold onto a Champions League place for next term.

“It's a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.

“Now we thought maybe it's a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that's why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.

“Now people are questioning if we should sign another No 9. He was talking about five, six, seven or eight [signings this summer]. Somebody said the day after [Ekitike’s season-ending injury against PSG], you can't write the script, on the day after Alex is back, his first start, the other one leaves with a long injury.”

Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:04