The Final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park
Everton and Liverpool are set to lock horns in the Premier League tonight, marking the final Merseyside derby to be played at the historic Goodison Park. Everton’s beloved home will be demolished to make way for a new stadium, set to open at the beginning of the next season. This storied ground, which has witnessed countless thrilling moments over the years, has the potential to add one more exciting chapter as league leaders Liverpool cross town for what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter.
Match Details and Viewing Options
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM GMT on Wednesday, 12 February, at Goodison Park. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, and subscribers can also stream it online via discovery+. Coverage begins at 6:30 PM. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ for £30.99 per month. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent, ensuring that high-quality sports coverage remains accessible to all.
Context and Recent Form
The fixture comes at a busy time for both clubs. The original match was postponed due to Storm Darragh in December, and while Liverpool suffered a setback by exiting the FA Cup at the weekend, they have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a victory tonight. David Moyes, who returned to Everton in January, has steadied the ship and, although the Toffees are likely safe from relegation, the atmosphere at Goodison will be electric as they aim to secure a memorable win against their rivals. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of this being the last derby at Goodison adds an extra layer of intensity.
Team News
David Moyes has no new injury concerns following the loss to Bournemouth in the cup. Long-term injuries to Orel Mangala and Armando Broja will continue to affect the squad, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, and Seamus Coleman remain out. On the Liverpool side, Arne Slot has a new worry with Joe Gomez, who came off in the loss to Plymouth. The fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in question, and the right-back will be assessed in training, with a late decision to be made by the manager. Despite these concerns, it is expected that Slot will make significant changes to the lineup, with key players like Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch likely to return to the starting eleven.
Predicted Line-ups
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Neto.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.
Odds and Prediction
The odds for the match reflect Liverpool’s strong position in the league, with the Reds favored to win at 21/50. A draw is priced at 7/2, while an Everton victory is a longer shot at 7/1. The Independent vets betting sites for usability, security, and responsible gambling tools, and you can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. However, it’s important to read the terms and conditions before placing any bets.
Final Thoughts
The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to be a spectacle, blending the emotional farewell to a historic venue with the high stakes of a title race. Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, will be determined to make it a difficult night for Liverpool, but the league leaders are expected to edge out a narrow victory. The prediction is Everton 1-2 Liverpool, a result that would leave both sets of fans with lasting memories of this iconic ground.
