The Long-Awaited Merseyside Derby
Liverpool’s journey to the top of the Premier League takes a significant turn on Wednesday, February 12, as they finally face Everton in the postponed Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. Originally scheduled for mid-December, the match was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Liverpool’s recent confirmation of a place in the Champions League Round of 16 through their dominant league phase performance has given them the flexibility to fit this crucial fixture into their busy schedule. A victory could see the Reds moving nine points clear at the top, a substantial lead that would mark a significant step towards their first Premier League title in five years. For Everton, the stakes are different but equally important. Under the guidance of David Moyes, the Toffees have managed to pull clear of the relegation zone and a surprise win could see them climbing as high as 12th in the league table.
Everton’s Lineup and Injury Update
Everton’s lineup for the Derby is shaping up with some notable absences and returns. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a key player, is out due to a hamstring injury he sustained in late January against Brighton. Beto is expected to continue in Calvert-Lewin’s role, demonstrating his ability to step up in crucial moments. Everton’s injury woes extend to Dwight McNeil, Seamus Coleman, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti, all of whom are sidelined. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as Vitaliy Mykolenko returns from a calf injury to bolster the defense. The confirmed starting XI for Everton is as follows: Pickford (GK), O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye, and Beto. On the bench, goalkeeper Colin Heaton’s availability is a welcome addition, along with Begovic, Keane, Harrison, Young, Alcaraz, Iroegbunam, Sherif, and Heath.
Liverpool’s Team News and Injuries
For Liverpool, the team news is a mix of hopeful comebacks and lingering injuries. Joe Gomez made a brief appearance in the weekend’s FA Cup loss to Plymouth Argyle but was substituted after just 11 minutes due to ongoing hamstring issues. The club is optimistic about the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, another player dealing with a hamstring strain, but his inclusion in this match seems unlikely. Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, has the luxury of fielding a nearly full squad, with Luis Diaz likely to return to the No. 9 position after Diogo Jota’s disappointing performance in the FA Cup. The confirmed starting XI for Liverpool is: Alisson (GK), Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo. On the bench, Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Alexander-Arnold, and Quansah are available to slot in as needed.
Watching the Match: Global Coverage
Fans around the world can catch the Merseyside Derby live, and the match is set to be broadcast across various regions. In the USA, the game will be shown on USA Network and Universo at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT, with live streaming available on Fubo USA. Canadian viewers can watch the match live on Fubo Canada at the same time. For those in the UK, the game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on TNT Sports 1, and live streaming is available on discovery+. In Australia, the match will be aired at 6:30 a.m. ADST, and Optus Sport will provide the coverage. Indian fans can tune in at 12 a.m. IST, with Star Sports Select 1 broadcasting the game and live streaming options available on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.
The Significance of the Merseyside Derby
The Merseyside Derby has a rich history and is more than just a football match; it’s a tale of two storied clubs and the passionate communities they represent. For Liverpool, a win would not only cement their position at the top of the league but also fuel the growing momentum towards their long-awaited Premier League title. Everton, who have been battling to avoid relegation, see this as an opportunity to further distance themselves from the bottom of the table and to spoil their neighbors’ party. David Moyes, a former Everton manager, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the club, which could play a crucial role in his strategy and the team’s performance. The home support at Goodison Park will undoubtedly be intense, adding an extra layer of pressure and excitement to the match.
Predictions and Key Matchups
The match is likely to be a closely contested affair, with both teams bringing their A-game to the table. Liverpool’s attack, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, is expected to pose a significant threat to Everton’s defense. The return of Mykolenko could be a crucial boost for the Toffees, who will need to be solid defensively to stand a chance. In midfield, Liverpool’s trio of Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister could dominate, controlling the tempo and creating scoring opportunities. Everton’s midfielders, Doucoure and Gueye, will need to be equally dynamic, pressing high and breaking up play to give their team a fighting chance. The battle between these two sets of midfielders will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match.
Final Thoughts
The postponed Merseyside Derby on February 12 is a must-watch event, not just for the passionate fans of Liverpool and Everton, but for anyone following the Premier League. Liverpool’s quest for the title and Everton’s fight for survival add layers of drama and significance to this fixture. As both teams prepare for the clash, the injury concerns and key match-ups will be closely monitored. Liverpool’s depth and experience give them the edge, but football is unpredictable, and Everton’s renewed spirit under David Moyes could surprise many. The atmosphere at Goodison Park will be electric, and the world will be watching as these two Merseyside giants lock horns.
