Was Liverpool’s shocking FA Cup elimination against Championship bottom club Plymouth just an off day—mostly for the reserves—or a tactical decision due to the packed schedule? Or is it a sign of a deeper crisis under Arne Slot? We may get an answer tonight in the Merseyside derby. This match will have a special, emotional significance, especially for Everton fans, as it will be the last time they host Liverpool at Goodison Park. The iconic stadium will be retired next season, with Everton moving to a new, modern venue. The 15th-round fixture was originally scheduled for the end of last year but was postponed due to severe weather in the port city. The home side is experiencing a renaissance after struggling under Sean Dyche, with the constant threat of relegation looming in recent years. However, with David Moyes returning to the club, Everton has been revitalized, winning three consecutive matches and likely securing their main goal—staying in the Premier League.A VERY special derby, at a VERY special venue. 🏟️For one last time; the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. 🔵🔴📺Watch Everton vs Liverpool live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/7RBoaYcwsf— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2025 Liverpool has also won three straight league matches and now sits six points ahead of their only real title rival, Arsenal. Another victory tonight would extend the gap to nine points, making a comeback nearly impossible for Mikel Arteta’s inconsistent team this season. The Reds remain in contention for the Premier League, Champions League, and the League Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley. The next 15 days could define their season, with five crucial matches in that span: after Everton, they face a more manageable home fixture against Wolves before two tough away games at Aston Villa and Manchester City, along with a home match against Newcastle. Slot’s rotated squad disappointed against Plymouth, so he is set to bring back his key players. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo return, while Luis Díaz is expected to start over Darwin Núñez. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also back in contention after recovering from a minor injury, with Joe Gomez as the only player missing due to injury.Greatest FA Cup miracle ever seen! Second-tier strugglers kill LiverpoolEverton manager David Moyes has urged his players to embrace the emotions and potential intensity of Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby.”I’ve been involved in some of these Merseyside derbies when Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard were playing, and back then, it was all about who would go in for the first tackle. I have great memories of that. Football isn’t played like that anymore, though. Refereeing is different, players are much more aware of how the game is officiated, and that’s part of the evolution of the game. But you still want the match to be emotional and explosive—that’s what makes derbies special. That’s what fans come to see. We have to be aggressive and show our qualities at the right moments” said the Scottish coach.##NAJAVA_MECA_8702726##Everton currently trails Liverpool by 30 points in the league table.”I think the gap between the two clubs is as big as it has been in recent years. We need to try to close that gap and bring the clubs closer together. In my first spell at Everton, we finished ahead of Liverpool a couple of times. That’s something we need to aim for again. If you finish above Liverpool, you’re probably finishing very high in the league” added Moyes. Moyes is hopeful that Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko will be fit for the game, but Broja, Calvert-Lewin, Coleman, Mangala, McNeil, and Patterson remain sidelined. Previous Meeting at Goodison Park Last season, Everton defeated their city rivals 2-0 at home, with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
