Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton – Background, H2H & Predictions

Football fans, get ready to enjoy one of the longest derbies in England. The EPL Merseyside Derby is arriving full force, featuring the two most elite teams in the rivalry, Liverpool vs Everton. Liverpool welcomes Everton on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Anfield. Being the English Premier League’s heartbeat, this Merseyside Derby is an exciting event amidst the ongoing EPL 2025-26 season. Every year, the Merseyside Derby is very special for English football fans as the matchup attracts millions of fans. This derby also projects dominance in the league table, proving which of these two clubs is the stronger. In this detailed breakdown, you will see the Liverpool vs Everton predictions, game preview, and its historical background. Along with that, we have also given each team’s strengths, weaknesses, current form, and team dynamics. Take a look at our exclusive football predictions below.

Event Details – Merseyside Derby 2025

Main Event: Liverpool vs Everton.

Date: September 20, 2025 (Saturday).

Time: 07:30 a.m. ET | 12:30 p.m. BST | 05:00 p.m. IST.

Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.

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Historical Context of Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton

The Merseyside Derby, also known as the friendly Derby, features Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. These clubs are less than a mile apart. So having a rival fanbase in your local region is very common. However, there is a big story to how this iconic “friendly rivalry” was born. To get more sports information and predictions, follow us.

Origins of the Rivalry

Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. have a bitter origin, even though the Merseyside Derby is said to be friendly. Initially, the Everton club was named St. Domingo’s FC. After a year, the name was changed to Everton. The club rented an empty land owned by John Houlding on Anfield Road. Eventually, it became home to the Everton club, and the owner, John Houlding, served as the club’s president. When Everton won their first league title, Houlding increased the rent and started to capitalize on the club’s stature. The majority in the club opposed his intentions, and they voted to leave the club. They also disapproved of Houlding’s attempt to convert the club into a limited company for profit. Everton’s members left and bought a new club, which is now Goodison Park. Left with an empty stadium, Houlding and his allies found a team to play, forming Liverpool F.C.

Classic Matches That Defined the Derby

Throughout its long history, the derby has produced numerous memorable matches. Several stand out for their exceptional showdowns, drama, and historical context. The 1980s were one such significant era. Notably, the 1984 League Cup final was the first-ever all-Merseyside final, which ended in a 0-0, closely contested draw. A replay saw Liverpool win 1-0 after three days. Shortly after two years, the same rivalry took place at Wembley, where Everton took an early lead. But in the latter part, Liverpool rushed and secured a 3-1 win, lifting the FA Cup trophy in 1986. Again, in the 1989 FA Cup, they met in the Final. After the Hillsborough disaster, the matchup was emotionally charged. John Aldridge secured an early lead for Liverpool. However, Everton replied with a late equalizer in the final minute. Ian Rush carried Liverpool’s hope and scored to break the tie in the extra time.

Shifts in Dominance Over the Decades

Following Everton’s move to Goodison Park, the initial derbies gave Everton more success. However, this did not last as Liverpool F.C. became equally competitive with Everton. As a result, the power dynamics shifted back and forth. In the earlier derbies, between 1899 and 1920, Everton had a 16-match unbeaten streak at Anfield, including ten victories. It also included the longest unbeaten away record for Everton. After that, in the 1970s and 80s, Liverpool started its reign of supremacy. Liverpool dominated all of the European tournaments, winning six league titles and two European Cups between the 1970s and 1980s. In the mid-1980s, Everton took a resurgence under Howard Kendall. They returned to their prime form in the Premier League. While Liverpool won the FA Cup in 1986 and 1989, Everton won in 1984 and 1987. This period was intensely uncertain as both teams constantly dominated each other.

The Premier League Era

The English Premier League’s launch in 1992 drastically changed the Merseyside Derby’s nature. Factors such as new teams, league division systems, ranking, and so on forever changed the rivalry’s dynamics. It also saw a shift in power dynamics, from which Liverpool started to dominate every other team in the league. Although Liverpool struggled in the early phase, they slowly emerged as one of the powerhouses in the league. They remained a strong European force, finding consistent wins in the 21^st century. Despite their strong dominance, they got the 2019-20 Premier League title after 30 years of no luck. Meanwhile, Everton struggled with inconsistency and periods of struggle. Everton often jumped between the lower and higher divisions. They faced early struggles with frequent managerial changes. After 200s with the new manager, David Moyes, they rose again. Everton finished regularly in the top half, being consistent for a while, until David’s departure.

Current Form & Performances

Liverpool’s Recent Performances

As of September 19, 2025, Liverpool is in first position, leading the Premier League table. They have had a strong start to the 2025-26 EPL season, having won all four of their matches so far. Their perfect record earned them 12 points and highlights their intent early in the campaign. Under the new manager, Arne Slot, Liverpool has developed a more controlled and possession-based technique. This is a contrasting style when compared to their previous high-intensity style. While they still unleash their aggressive form when chances arise, there is a shift towards a more structured defensive approach. Players like Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike have made impactful contributions to the team in particular. They provide the offensive boost to the team, driving them towards a higher scoring capability. Cody Gakpo has also been an important player who has made crucial assists and significant contributions to the attacking side.

Everton’s Recent Performances

Everton has also started the season with a decent record and ranking. With a reasonable 7 points after four games, Everton’s squad shows solid yet inconsistent outcomes. Their record includes two wins, one draw, and one defeat. However, the teams have shown improvement in scoring, particularly getting back on the net. This is especially effective at home. However, there are some concerns about their defensive solidity. Their defense is really questionable, as they conceded three goals in four games. However, they have maintained two clean sheet victories in the same span, reinforcing their defensive fortification. Under David Moyes’s guidance, Everton aims to gain control over ball possession.

Liverpool vs Everton: Head-to-Head Trends

Historical Head-to-Head Matches

Liverpool and Everton share one of the oldest football rivalries, the Merseyside Derby. They have met over 200 times in league and cup tournaments. Over the decades, Liverpool has dominated the Merseyside Derby since the early 2000s. In the last 50 head-to-head matches across all competitions, Liverpool has won 26 times, which is the single-most wins. Everton has won only 6 times, and 18 matches have ended in draws. These stark contrasts between the teams show us Liverpool’s threatening form. In all these matches, Liverpool scored about 76 goals, double that of Everton’s underwhelming 37. It highlights Liverpool’s offensive power and dominance. Ironically, Everton’s biggest Merseyside Derby win was an away match, where they won Liverpool 5-0 at Anfield. Yet, Everton’s home wins have become rare in recent matches. Overall, Liverpool’s dominance is huge, and it has a higher probability of attacking and scoring.

Recent Head-to-Head Records

Liverpool seems to have continued its dominance in recent English Premier League matches and cup competitions. They have won in the last four league derbies against Everton, establishing an unbeatable status at Anfield. In contrast, Everton have had mixed form in recent encounters, with irregular wins and draws. The 2023-24 EPL saw Liverpool winning 2-0 with a clean sheet due to Salah’s brace. But Everton broke the long victory drought at home in 2024. It was their first home derby win in years. That Everton victory significantly impacted its Relegation survival hopes and Liverpool’s league title dreams. However, the most recent stats support Liverpool as they outperform Everton in every aspect. The factors include scores per game, number of clean sheets, and number of wins. Everton’s wins are less frequent but are more notable. Let’s see if the luck takes a swing this time.

Merseyside Derby 2025-26: Key Players to Watch

Liverpool’s Potential Game-Changers

Liverpool enters this Merseyside Derby with multiple individuals who can change the game’s trajectory in unexpected moments. Especially, Mohamad Salah remains a dangerous threat on the offensive side. As a forward, his relentless movement and finishing will pressure Everton on the right flank. Notably, he has already scored eight league goals against Everton. So, Mohamad Salah’s participation is hugely awaited in the upcoming Merseyside Derby 2025-26. Along with him, Cody Gakpo in the team offers creativity and shooting power. He also excels in chance-making in the front. The new addition, Florian Wirtz, adds unpredictability with his outstanding dribbling skills and ability to unlock compact defenses. Regarding midfield play, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch will control the tempo and recover possession. Captain Virgil van Dijk carries the leadership at defense, showing his set-piece threat. In summary, Liverpool has a well-stacked squad with quality and depth.

Everton’s Star Performers

Everton approaches Anfield with a confident outlook, boasting several in-form players. Jack Grealish is the primary attacking outlet who offers creativity. His dribbling has been decisive, earning him the August Premier League Player of the Month award. Likewise, Iliman Ndiaye comes up with his surprising attacks and relentless unpredictability. He keeps Liverpool’s full-backs occupied, not allowing them to build up. Beto will provide the physicality and clinical finishing, leading the line in the front. He will also receive support from their midline creative supplies. Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall will link the play, acting as a bridge to convert defense into offense. He may also create danger in central areas. Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam also give a concrete defensive side in midfield. They both are expected to counter Liverpool’s dynamic midfield. With an equally skilled squad, Everton is arriving at the Merseyside Derby with a well-rounded team dynamic.

Formation and Strategy

Liverpool’s Formation & Squad Depth

Liverpool will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation at Anfield, aiming to get attacking width and midfield stability. With this formation, they gain stable midfield control, which allows them to maintain the rhythm. Alisson Becker remains undisputed in goal. The back four must be Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will form the central partnership. Andy Robertson will occupy the left. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch form the pivotal duo in midfield, keeping an eye on defensive balance and progression. Further forward, Florian Wirtz will occupy the centre with Mohamad Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left. Either Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak could lead the line, depending on their fitness level. In terms of squad depth, their team looks impressive and can pull off wonders. This depth is assured to maintain a high-tempo play even when substitutions are required.

Everton’s Formation & Squad Depth

Everton is expected to use a 4-3-3 formation that blends compact defense with a wide attacking threat. Jordan Pickford starts in goal from the front. The backline must deploy Jake O’Brien at right back, James Tarkowski, and Michael Keane as the central pairing. Vitalii Mykolenko will be on the left flank. Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam will dominate in the midfield along with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. This trio will aggressively break opponents’ progression and push forward. The front three features Jack Grealish on the left and Iliman Ndiaye on the right. Beto will lead as the central striker. Everton has some powerful alternatives when it comes to squad depth. Merlin Röhl and James Garner are perfect choices for midfield replacement, offering flexibility. Additionally, Arnaut Danjuma and Thierno Barry back the team offensively. Defensively, Ben Godfrey and Seamus Coleman will cover up if flanks need substitutes.

Merseyside Derby’s Liverpool vs Everton – Prediction

Liverpool’s Likely Moves

Liverpool will try to gain possession early to pressure Everton’s defensive structure. Mohamad Salah and Cody Gakpo will unleash their aggressive partnership. They will stretch the flanks using dribbles, particularly challenging Vitalii Mykolenko. Florian Wirtz will create shots with creative moves, connecting midfield and attacking quickly. He will also find gaps in Everton’s lines to carry progression towards the goal line. The midfield duo, headed by Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, will try to disrupt Everton’s rhythm. They will win possession and launch fast transitions. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will nullify Beto’s presence using their positional strengths. Klopp may deploy Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike as substitutes to increase attacking potency later in the match. Liverpool’s moves focus on high intensity, rapid ball recycling, and exploiting broad areas.

Everton’s Likely Moves

Everton will prioritize defensive structure with Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam’s solid midfield play. They will try to counter Liverpool’s pressure and creativity. James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will use a tight line to block routes to Mohamad Salah and Cody Gakpo. In addition, Jack Grealish will bring his creative execution and will take on defenders. He will provide key passes to Beto and Iliman Ndiaye on the wings. Everton may look for a quick counterattack by infiltrating Liverpool’s spaces in the full-backs. Ndiaye’s pace and Grealish’s dribbling are expected to exploit weaknesses. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s forward runs will link the midfield to the offensive transition at crucial times. On the defensive side, Jordan Pickford’s shot-stopping technique will be essential. Moreover, Merlin Röhl might add midfield energy in the latter half.

Outcome

Liverpool is favored to win in this Merseyside Derby as they have a superior H2H record and home advantage. Their dynamic talents, like Mohammad Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz, will easily penetrate Everton. Moreover, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch’s midfield will take control over the tempo by disrupting Everton’s rhythm. Additionally, Van Dijk and Konaté will aggressively limit Everton’s chances with their outstanding defense. Liverpool’s ability to inflict pressure and make quick transitions will open the doors for scoring. Even though Everton has a good structure and resilience, they may struggle to cope with Liverpool’s variety. They may get occasional chances through Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye. However, frequent shots at the goal line will constantly pressure Everton’s defense and Jordan Pickford’s goalkeeping. Therefore, Liverpool’s quality and ongoing momentum suggest a narrow, apparent victory in this Merseyside Derby.