Everton vs Liverpool: Is this the biggest Merseyside Derby in years? | OneFootball

Everton and Liverpool have not had much in common in recent seasons, aside from proximity. While the last decade for Liverpool has included Champions League success and two titles in the Premier League, Everton have spent much of the same period fighting for their lives.

The Toffees, too often, have required results during the run-in just to retain their ever-present Premier League status; From Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header against Crystal Palace in 2022, to Abdoulaye Doucoure's decisive goal to beat Bournemouth to secure safety on the final day a year later. It's been an emotional ride for Evertonians.

Just once in the last six seasons have Everton finished in the top half, a 10th-placed finish under Carlo Ancelotti in 2020/21. Mismanagement has resulted in financial challenges and decline, but the Blues are on the rise again. David Moyes might not be every Evertonian's preference, but his safety-first approach has led to improvement.

Ahead of a historic first-ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton have Europe in their sights. Everton slipped to 10th in thePremier League table, but there's no doubt it was still a positive afternoon of results. Dropped points for Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton mean a win this afternoon would take Everton to sixth - and just two points from Champions League football.

Everton have won just one of their last eight meetings with Liverpool, but the Blues smell blood. The champions arrive at the new waterside home of their neighbours in dire form. Arne Slot's side have lost four of their last five in all competitions, crashing out of the Champions League and FA Cup in the process. Fifth in the table, their title defence has long been over, and it's the teams trying to overhaul them in the race for Champions League qualification that's now the concern.

It's been over two decades since Everton and Liverpool last met in the Premier League, sharing the same objective.

In 2004/05, Everton edged out Liverpool to finish fourth and beat the Reds to Champions League football.

Only a quirk of fate meant Liverpool entered the following season's competition proper, with a famous win in Istanbul, and a change in rules, allowing Rafael Benitez's side to re-enter the Champions League as holders. Everton were beaten by Villarreal in the third qualifying round, a loss which still rankles.

A thrilling European race now offers the chance for redemption. Only three points separate the teams from sixth to 12th, with Liverpool hovering just above that pack. Every result matters, and an Everton win today would slash that advantage.

Everton need no encouragement to create a bear-pit atmosphere at Bramley-Moore Dock this afternoon, and Liverpool should expect an inhospitable welcome. A massive opportunity awaits Moyes and his men, and a fanbase that has had its fair share of suffering in recent years.