Merseyside Derby Returns: Liverpool vs. Everton at Goodison Park
Meeting for the first time since last April, Premier League leaders Liverpool make a midweek trip to face their Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday at Goodison Park. The match was initially scheduled for December but was postponed due to inclement weather, leaving both clubs with an additional fixture in hand. This rescheduled game provides Liverpool and Everton a chance to build momentum or secure a crucial victory in a tightly contested Premier League season. For Liverpool, the stakes are high as they aim to reclaim their dominant form and erase the memory of their last loss to Everton, a surprising 2-0 defeat at this very venue in a late-season match where both teams had little to play for competitively.
Liverpool’s Dominance and Recent Form
Liverpool, having secured a Round of 16 bye in the Champions League, had this week free to focus on the Premier League makeup match. This break from European competition could give the Reds an edge, allowing key players to rest and recover. Historically, Liverpool has enjoyed a period of dominance over Everton, with the Toffees winning only three times since 2010, a stretch of 31 games. The talent gap between the two clubs has grown significantly, with Liverpool boasting one of the best squads in Europe. Despite the recent setback, Liverpool’s squad is deep and well-rounded, with the ability to adapt to different tactical setups. The return of key players from injuries and the team’s collective experience make them strong favorites to secure a win in this crucial derby.
Everton’s Recent Upturn and Injuries
Everton, on the other hand, has shown signs of improvement this season, particularly in their recent form. The Toffees have secured a three-game winning streak, which has bolstered their confidence and helped them move away from the relegation zone. However, their attacking department remains one of the worst in the Premier League, both in creativity and finishing. With key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil sidelined due to injuries, Everton’s already limited attacking options are further weakened. The team’s recent success has been built on solid defensive performances, with Jordan Pickford’s goalkeeping being a standout factor. Despite these defensive improvements, facing Liverpool’s potent attack at Goodison Park presents a significant challenge.
Match Predictions and Odds
Betting expert Kyle Bonn provides insights on the match, emphasizing the significant gulf in form and talent between the two sides. Since the start of 2024, Bonn has correctly predicted 55% of 387 match outcomes, generating a profit of 32.6 units. Liverpool’s dominance over Everton in recent years suggests that the Merseyside derby is likely to be a one-sided affair. The odds reflect this, with Liverpool favored to win at -225, while a draw is priced at +360, and an Everton win is a long shot at +600. The over/under for goals is set at 2.5, with the under priced at +105 and the over at -145. Given Liverpool’s defensive strengths and Everton’s attacking struggles, a low-scoring match seems likely.
Key Match facts and Recent History
The match between Everton and Liverpool is set for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with a kickoff time of 7:30 p.m. local (2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT) at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England. Michael Oliver will be the referee, with Chris Kavanagh as the VAR. The last meeting between the two clubs, a 2-0 win for Everton last April, broke a four-match goalless streak for the Toffees against their cross-town rivals. However, Everton has been shut out in seven of their last 10 meetings with Liverpool. This historical context, combined with Everton’s current form and injuries, suggests that another shutout for Liverpool is a strong possibility.
Best Bets for the Match
Given the poor attacking form of Everton, one of the best bets for this match is Everton to be shut out, with odds at +110 on DraftKings. Everton’s fourth-lowest expected goals total in the Premier League and their recent struggles in front of goal make this a compelling bet. Additionally, the under 2.5 total goals is worth considering, priced at +110 on DraftKings. Everton’s improved defensive record and Liverpool’s recent trend of lower-scoring matches in the Merseyside derby support this prediction. Jordan Pickford’s strong goalkeeping and Everton’s ability to limit high-quality chances further reinforce the case for a tight, low-scoring affair.
Conclusion
The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes. Liverpool, with their depth and quality, are strong favorites to secure a win and extend their lead in the Premier League. Everton, despite their recent defensive improvements, faces an uphill battle against a Liverpool side that is determined to reclaim their dominant form. For bettors, focusing on Everton being shut out and the under 2.5 total goals offers the best value, given the teams’ current form and historical trends. This midweek fixture is sure to be a spectacle, with both sets of fans eager to see how the story unfolds.
