Everton has not secured a Premier League victory against Liverpool since 2021, but as the Merseyside derby approaches, manager David Moyes has compelling reasons to believe his side can challenge the Reds. Liverpool has a recent pattern of clinching late, stoppage-time victories in three of their last four matches. Furthermore, they have squandered two-goal leads twice in that period, suggesting that while Arne Slot`s attack is formidable, their defense requires significant improvement.
While derby encounters typically feature few goals, this Saturday`s match is poised to be different. With strategic acquisitions like Kernan Dewsbury-Hall and, critically, Jack Grealish, the Toffees are now consistently generating chances and converting them. Their 39 chances created rank them sixth in the Premier League. On the other side, Liverpool leads the league with nine goals through four matches and is second in chances created with 49.
Jack Grealish`s four assists are currently the highest in the Premier League, underscoring his pivotal role in Everton`s revamped offensive strategy. All but one of Everton`s goals this season have involved Grealish, highlighting an impressive 80% goal involvement rate. While such a high percentage might be unsustainable, Grealish is accustomed to being the central figure in an attack, as seen during his time at Aston Villa and Manchester City where he maintained a substantial 29% involvement. He is a player unafraid to take risks even when heavily marked. This resilience is particularly relevant given Liverpool`s defensive frailties, evident from Antoine Semenyo`s brace against them on the opening day of the season.
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Everton, Odds
- Date: Saturday, Sep. 20 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Anfield — Liverpool, England
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: Liverpool -230; Draw +360; Everton +600
Everton is determined to solidify its position in the top half of the league, especially after inaugurating the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the signing of Grealish is a key step towards that ambition. Defeating Liverpool is not the ultimate goal, but achieving a positive result at Anfield would significantly validate their strong start to the season and provide an immense morale boost.
However, Everton`s defensive vulnerabilities present a notable challenge that could differentiate this match from typical derbies. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has frequently been called upon for miraculous saves, as Everton has allowed the seventh-highest expected goals (xG) this season at 6.11, yet conceded only three actual goals. This statistic serves as a crucial warning sign when facing Liverpool`s potent attack, featuring talents like Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike—a lineup capable of tormenting even the most accomplished defenses. Injuries to key defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko have further weakened their usually robust backline, implying that Everton might need to prioritize offense if they hope to secure a result.
Despite often taking early leads, the Reds have shown a tendency to concede. If Everton can maintain composure for the full 90 minutes and avoid late-game heartbreak, this derby could represent their best opportunity in a long time to secure a historic victory in this storied rivalry.
