Liverpool will host Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Saturday, looking to continue their solid start to the season.

Liverpool have picked up four wins in as many games in the Premier League so far in the 2025/26 season, and they will be confident of getting a good result vs their bitter rivals Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds are coming into this game on the back of a thrilling victory against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Even though Liverpool have picked up last-gasp wins in their last five matches, they are the better team on paper, and they will fancy their chances of getting all three points.

The Premier League have an excellent record against Everton, and they are undefeated in 30 of their last 32 matches against the Toffees. Meanwhile, Liverpool are also without a loss in 35 of their last 38 Premier League matches as well. On the other hand, Everton will look to pull off an upset.

The Toffees have struggled at Anfield over the years, and it remains to be seen whether they can produce a strong performance here. David Moyes’s men have picked up three wins and a draw in their last four matches, and they will be confident heading into this game.

The away side will look to make life difficult for the opposition, hoping to build further momentum under Moyes. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool

Arne Slot does not have any major injury issues heading into this game, and he should be able to field a full-strength lineup. Curtis Jones is the only absentee, with the English midfielder recovering from a knock.

Liverpool are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Everton, with Alisson Becker in goal. Dominik Szoboszlai and Andrew Robertson are likely to be deployed as the full-backs. They will look to keep things tight defensively and contribute in the attack. Ibrahima Konaté will start in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

In the midfield, Ryan Gravenberch will start alongside Alexis Mac Allister. They will look to control the tempo of the game from deep and provide defensive cover to the side.

Florian Wirtz will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to create opportunities for his teammates with his passing, vision and flair. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo will start on the flanks. They will look to add goals and unpredictability going forward.

Alexander Isak made his debut for Liverpool in the Champions League during the midweek, and he is likely to get another start here.

Liverpool Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak

Everton

Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only doubt for Everton here. He picked up an injury on international duty, and he is still recovering.

They are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as well. Jordan Pickford will start as the goalkeeper here.

Jake O’Brien and James Garner are likely to be deployed in the full-back positions. They will look to keep things tight defensively. Michael Keane will start in central defence alongside James Tarkowski. Jarrad Branthwaite has only just returned from injury, and he is unlikely to be risked from the start.

In the midfield, Idrissa Gueye will start alongside Tim Iroegbunam. They will look to protect the back four and break down Liverpool’s attacking moves.

Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish will start on the flanks. They will look to help out during transitions and create opportunities during the break. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to link the midfield with the attack.

Beto will lead the line for Everton.

Everton Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gana Gueye, Iroegbunam; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto

Key Stats

• Liverpool are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 matches (Premier League).
• Liverpool are undefeated in 30 of their last 32 matches against Everton in all competitions.
• Everton are unbeaten in the last four matches in all competitions.
• 11 goals have been scored in the last six meetings between these two teams.

Player to Watch

Alexander Isak

The Swedish international striker impressed on his debut against Atletico Madrid. Even though he did not find the back of the net, he was quite sharp, and he will look to score his first goal for the club here. This is a special occasion for him, and he will look to make his mark on his first Merseyside Derby as a Liverpool player.

Everton will look to sit deep and frustrate the opposition. Liverpool will need Isak to produce a strong performance here. The Swedish international could open up opportunities for himself and his teammates with his pace, power, and technical ability in the final third.

Prediction

Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Both teams will be desperate for a victory here, and this will be a close contest. The two teams are likely to get on the score sheet. Liverpool have a formidable attacking unit, and it will be difficult to contain them. But the Reds have looked vulnerable defensively, and the Toffees are likely to get opportunities.

However, Liverpool have more depth and quality in attack, and they should be able to grind out a victory. A narrow win for the home team is on the cards.