Match Information
Our pre-match preview Written before kick-off — see what we expected from this match
Match Overview
Everton and Liverpool meet at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19 for Regular Season Matchday 33, a crucial juncture in the Premier League campaign where every point carries significant weight. With Liverpool sitting in 5th position and Everton in 8th, this Merseyside derby presents contrasting objectives as both teams navigate the final stretch of the season.
Liverpool's recent form reveals a team struggling for consistency, particularly evident in their mixed results across competitions. Their 2-0 victory over Fulham on April 11 provided a welcome boost after disappointing performances against top-tier opposition. The 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on April 4 in the FA Cup and the 2-1 loss to Brighton on March 21 highlight vulnerabilities that Everton will be keen to exploit. Liverpool's involvement in European competition, including their Champions League quarter-final encounter with Paris Saint Germain on April 8, suggests potential fatigue concerns as they manage a demanding fixture schedule.
Everton under Leighton Baines has shown resilience in recent weeks, with their form demonstrating an upward trajectory. The 2-2 draw with Brentford on April 11, while not a victory, followed an impressive 3-0 home triumph over Chelsea on March 21. This attacking display against quality opposition showcased their potential to trouble Liverpool's defense, which has shown susceptibility in recent outings. The Toffees' ability to secure victories against Newcastle and Burnley demonstrates their capacity to perform when the stakes are high.
Neither squad reports injury concerns, ensuring both managers have full squad availability for team selection. This factor could prove decisive in a fixture where tactical flexibility and fresh legs from the bench often influence the outcome. The clean bill of health for both teams sets up an intriguing tactical battle with no excuses for subpar performances.
Predicted Lineups
Everton
Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Liverpool
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Team Form Analysis
Everton
League Position: 8Everton Form Analysis
Everton's recent trajectory under Leighton Baines shows marked improvement, with the team demonstrating greater attacking intent and defensive solidity. Their most recent outing, a 2-2 draw away to Brentford on April 11, showcased their ability to compete away from home against organized opposition. The standout performance came in their 3-0 home victory over Chelsea on March 21, a result that highlighted their potential when firing on all cylinders at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees have shown particular strength in converting home advantage into results, with convincing victories over both Chelsea and Burnley demonstrating their ability to control games on familiar territory. Their 3-2 triumph at Newcastle on February 28 further evidenced their improved away form and mental fortitude in securing results when trailing.
Defensively, Everton has tightened considerably, with their backline showing greater cohesion and organization. The clean sheet against Burnley and resilient displays against stronger opposition suggest a team growing in confidence. However, their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on March 14 serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by teams with superior individual quality. Everton's recent form indicates a side capable of troubling any opponent when performing at their peak level.
Liverpool
League Position: 5Liverpool Form Analysis
Liverpool's recent form presents a concerning picture of inconsistency, with the team struggling to maintain their traditionally high standards across multiple competitions. While their 2-0 home victory over Fulham on April 11 provided some relief, it followed a series of disappointing results that have raised questions about their current trajectory.
The 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on April 4 in the FA Cup was particularly damaging, exposing defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion in their pressing game. This heavy loss, combined with their 2-1 defeat to Brighton on March 21, suggests vulnerability against well-organized opponents who can exploit space in transition.
Liverpool's attacking output remains potent, as evidenced by their 4-0 victory over Galatasaray on March 18, but consistency has been their biggest challenge. The demands of competing across multiple competitions may be taking their toll, with the Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint Germain on April 8 resulting in a 2-0 defeat that will have dented confidence.
Their away form has been particularly problematic, with defeats at Brighton, Manchester City, and Paris Saint Germain highlighting struggles to impose their game plan on hostile territory. The team's failure to maintain defensive discipline while pressing high has created opportunities for opponents to exploit space behind their backline, a trend that could prove costly in derby conditions.
Head-to-Head
Everton
Liverpool
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-20 | Liverpool | 2 - 1 | Everton |
| 2025-04-02 | Liverpool | 1 - 0 | Everton |
| 2025-02-12 | Everton | 2 - 2 | Liverpool |
| 2024-04-24 | Everton | 2 - 0 | Liverpool |
| 2023-10-21 | Liverpool | 2 - 0 | Everton |
| 2023-02-13 | Liverpool | 2 - 0 | Everton |
| 2022-09-03 | Everton | 0 - 0 | Liverpool |
| 2022-04-24 | Liverpool | 2 - 0 | Everton |
| 2021-12-01 | Everton | 1 - 4 | Liverpool |
| 2021-02-20 | Liverpool | 0 - 2 | Everton |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these Merseyside rivals has produced several captivating encounters that exemplify the unpredictable nature of derby football. Liverpool's narrow 2-1 victory on September 20, 2025, demonstrated their ability to edge tight contests, while Everton's memorable 2-0 triumph on April 24, 2024, showed how the underdog can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Perhaps most emblematic of this fixture's capacity for surprises was Liverpool's stunning 0-2 defeat at Anfield on February 20, 2021, a result that highlighted how form and league position often count for little in derby encounters. The contrasting 1-4 victory for Liverpool on December 1, 2021, showcased the potential for high-scoring affairs when both teams commit to attacking play.
The recent February 12, 2025 encounter that ended 2-2 perfectly encapsulated the competitive balance between these sides, with both teams demonstrating their ability to respond to adversity and find crucial goals when needed.
Venue Factor
Hill Dickinson Stadium has established itself as a fortress for Everton this season, with their recent home performances suggesting a venue where visiting teams face significant challenges. The atmosphere generated by the home support has been particularly influential during crucial moments, as evidenced by their commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea on March 21.
Everton's comfort level at their home ground is evident in their tactical approach, with players showing greater willingness to take risks and express themselves when backed by familiar surroundings. The dimensions and characteristics of Hill Dickinson Stadium suit Everton's direct style of play, allowing them to press high and create chances through quick transitions.
For Liverpool, recent away form presents genuine concerns about their ability to perform in hostile environments. Their struggles at Brighton, Manchester City, and in European competition suggest a team that has lost some of its renowned mental strength when playing away from Anfield. The intensity of a Merseyside derby atmosphere could either galvanize their experienced players or further expose the confidence issues that have plagued their recent away performances. The venue factor could prove decisive in a fixture where marginal differences often determine the outcome.
Injury Concerns
Everton
Liverpool
