Liverpool vs Everton: Match preview, head-to-head, potential lineups, score prediction and more

The Merseyside Derby is one of football’s fiercest rivalries, and the 2025/26 edition at Anfield promises fireworks. Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, host a resurgent Everton side on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in what could be a defining early-season clash. With Arne Slot’s Reds unbeaten and Everton punching above their weight under David Moyes, this showdown isn’t just about three points—it’s about pride, history, and bragging rights across the city. Kick-off is at 12:30 PM BST (7:30 AM ET) at Anfield, broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in the US. Dive into our comprehensive Liverpool vs Everton preview, including head-to-head stats, team form, predicted lineups, and a bold score prediction.

Match Details: Liverpool vs Everton

• Date and Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 12:30 PM BST / 7:30 AM ET
• Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England (Capacity: 61,276)
• Competition: Premier League (Matchday 5)
• Referee: TBD (with VAR support)
• Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League (UK), NBC/Peacock (US), DAZN (Canada)
• Weather Forecast: Mild autumn day, 15°C (59°F), partly cloudy with a low chance of rain—perfect for high-pressing football.

This fixture was confirmed in the Premier League’s latest scheduling update, with no changes expected despite Liverpool’s midweek Champions League exertions. Everton, playing at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, will aim to spoil the party in front of a packed Anfield.

The Merseyside Derby

The Liverpool vs Everton rivalry dates back to 1894, born from the cities’ shared industrial roots and a split over religious divides. Known as the “Friendly Derby” in jest due to its intensity off the pitch, it’s anything but friendly on it. Across all competitions, the teams have met 245 times, with Liverpool holding a commanding edge: 100 wins to Everton’s 68, and 77 draws. The first-ever clash ended 3-0 to Everton, but the Reds have dominated in recent decades.

In the Premier League era (since 1992), Liverpool lead with 29 wins from 57 meetings, Everton managing just 7, and 21 draws. Average goals per game? A tense 2.28, making low-scoring thrillers the norm. Iconic moments include Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing at Goodison Park in 2021 (Salah’s brace) and Everton’s shock 2-0 Anfield win in 2021—their first there since 1999.

This derby has seen 23 red cards in the Premier League alone, the most of any fixture, underscoring its passion. Expect tempers to flare as both sets of fans fill Anfield with chants and color.

Head-to-Head Record: Liverpool’s Edge in Recent Years

Liverpool have owned the narrative lately. Here’s a quick breakdown of the last 10 meetings (all competitions):

Recent Form: Liverpool Unbeaten, Everton Solid

Liverpool’s Flying Start

The Reds are the only team with a 100% record after four league games (W4, GD +8), plus a dramatic 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (Van Dijk’s 92nd-minute header sealed it). They’ve scored late in all five wins this season—six goals after the 88th minute—showcasing Slot’s resilient side. Key results:

• vs Bournemouth (H): 3-1
• @ Newcastle (A): 2-1
• vs Arsenal (H): 1-0
• @ Burnley (A): 1-0
• vs Atletico (H, UCL): 3-2

Standout performers: Salah (4 goals), Ekitike (2 goals, 1 assist), and a rock-solid defense with two clean sheets in a row.

Everton’s Steady Climb

Sitting 6th, the Toffees have bounced back from an opening loss with two wins and a draw, including a gritty 0-0 at home to Aston Villa. Their new stadium is a fortress (unbeaten in three), and they’ve kept three clean sheets in five. Results:

• @ Leeds (A): 0-1
• vs Brighton (H): 2-0
• @ Wolves (A): 1-0
• vs Aston Villa (H): 0-0

Moyes’ men excel defensively (under 3.5 goals in 4/5 games) but need more from attack—Beto has 2 goals, Grealish creating chances.

Predicted Lineups: Slot’s Attack vs Moyes’ Resilience

Liverpool stick to their fluid 4-2-3-1, with Ekitike preferred up top over Isak for rotation. Everton opt for a pragmatic 4-2-3-1, banking on counters.

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Alisson
• DEF: Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez
• MID: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
• ATT: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo
• ST: Ekitike

Subs: Kelleher, Frimpong, Robertson, Jones, Isak, Diaz, Nunez.

Everton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Pickford
• DEF: O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko (if fit; else Godfrey)
• MID: Garner, Gueye
• ATT: Alcaraz, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish
• ST: Beto

Subs: Virginia, Young, Patterson, Iroegbunam, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton

Liverpool’s home form under Slot is formidable (47 goals in 21 games), and Everton’s Anfield hoodoo continues. The Reds’ late magic and Salah’s derby nous should prevail, but expect a cagey first half. Opta gives Liverpool a 71.7% win chance, with under 2.5 goals likely (BTTS no in 4/5 recent H2Hs). Predicted Score: 2-0 (Salah scores, clean sheet for Van Dijk).