The Merseyside Derby has always been more than just a football match, it is a clash of cities, a clash of families, a clash of neighbours who live on the same street but wear different colours, and this weekend the story will be told again when Liverpool face Everton at Anfield. Every time this fixture comes around the city of Liverpool changes completely, workplaces become split, schools become divided, homes become battlegrounds of banter and tension, and Anfield itself becomes the heartbeat of all the drama. This particular derby has even more story behind it because Arne Slot has come into Liverpool with a new identity, a new plan, and he has managed to give the Reds a perfect start to the season. They have not dropped a single point, they are sitting at the very top of the Premier League, and their fans believe that another title could be on the way. Everton on the other hand have quietly become dangerous under David Moyes, a man who knows how to squeeze results out of teams that people underestimate, and with new faces like Jack Grealish lighting up their attack, they suddenly look like a team who can shock even the very best.
Liverpool come into this match on the back of a thriller against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, a game that tested every part of their strength and belief. It was Virgil van Dijk, their leader at the back, who rose in the 92nd minute to score the winning goal in front of a wild Anfield crowd. That goal was not just about three points in Europe, it was about belief, it was about continuing the tradition of Liverpool never giving up until the very last second. But for Arne Slot, the challenge is now about making sure his players are ready to go again in a completely different kind of battle. The Champions League brings glamour and excitement, but the Merseyside Derby brings war, it brings fire, it brings a level of aggression that is unmatched.
The big story in Liverpool’s camp is of course Alexander Isak, the British record signing, the man brought in to lead the line and become the next superstar of Anfield. He made his debut against Atletico, showing flashes of brilliance, forcing Jan Oblak into a strong save, but he did not find the back of the net. For strikers, goals are everything, and the Anfield crowd will expect him to open his account sooner rather than later. This derby could be the perfect stage for him to announce himself. But there is also pressure, because Hugo Ekitike, who started the season brilliantly, is now waiting in the shadows, eager to take any opportunity given to him. Slot will have to decide whether to trust Isak again from the start or return to Ekitike for this fiery contest.
Everton arrive with their own belief. They started the season with a poor defeat to Leeds United, but since then they have turned things around with wins over Brighton and Wolves. They sit sixth in the table, and though it is early days, there is a feeling that Moyes has built a side with structure and confidence. The signing of Jack Grealish has completely changed their attack, because Grealish has come in hungry to prove himself again after being allowed to leave Manchester City on loan. He has delivered four assists in just four matches, looking like the player who once lit up the Premier League with Aston Villa. Moyes has given him freedom, and in this derby he could become the difference-maker for Everton.
The team news for Liverpool is mostly positive. Alexis Mac Allister returned against Atletico, providing control in midfield. Jeremie Frimpong also started for the first time since his hamstring injury, giving them pace and creativity on the right. The only concern is Curtis Jones, who still has not returned from his knock before the international break. Slot will also think about rotation, because players like Gravenberch and Szoboszlai played full matches in midweek and might need to be managed carefully. This derby always takes energy, and fatigue could be a factor.
For Everton, injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko mean their defence is slightly weakened, but Moyes has managed to build organisation regardless. The real decision for him will be at striker. Beto has one goal so far, but the new arrival Thierno Barry is waiting to be unleashed. This match at Anfield could be his chance. Tyler Dibling, another youngster, could also feature more after joining from Southampton. Moyes has never been afraid to throw players into the fire of big games if he believes they are ready.
History tells us that Everton rarely win at Anfield. It has been four years since they last did it, and every time they go there they face not just Liverpool’s eleven players but the roar of 50,000 people who see this game as life and death. Yet football is about breaking curses, and this Everton side may believe this is their moment. Liverpool have looked strong, but they have also looked vulnerable at times, leaving it late to seal wins against teams like Burnley. If Everton can start fast, put Liverpool under pressure, and silence the Anfield crowd, they might just take something from the game.
The prediction for this match is filled with tension. Some believe Liverpool will continue their perfect start, powered by their new signings and the energy of their captain Van Dijk. Others believe Everton will shock them, using Grealish’s creativity and Moyes’ tactical discipline. The safest prediction is perhaps a 1-1 draw, but derbies are never safe, they are chaotic, they are wild, and they often produce heroes that nobody expected.
Beyond the pitch, this game is about pride. Liverpool fans will tell you their club is chasing another Premier League title, their standards are about Europe and history. Everton fans will tell you that this is their season to rise again, to challenge, to fight, and beating Liverpool at Anfield would be the ultimate statement. The players know this, the managers know this, and that is why the Merseyside Derby never disappoints.
When the whistle blows on September 20th at 12:30pm, all eyes will be on Anfield. TNT Sports will broadcast it live, Discovery+ will stream it, and across the world millions will tune in to see which side of Liverpool will be smiling by the afternoon. For some it will be the happiest day, for others the most painful, but that is what makes this fixture the heartbeat of English football.
And so the story is set. Liverpool, perfect so far, against Everton, reborn under Moyes. Isak searching for his first goal, Grealish searching for redemption. Anfield roaring, the city divided, and the Premier League waiting to see whether Arne Slot’s flawless start will continue or whether Everton will write a chapter that will be remembered forever.
