Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park in the iconic Merseyside Derby on Saturday, 18 April 2026, with kick-off at 2:00 PM (WAT). One of English football’s greatest and most intense rivalries takes centre stage in what could be one of Goodison Park’s final derbies before Everton’s eventual move to their new stadium. The atmosphere will be electric and unforgettable.
Match Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | England Premier League |
| Date | Saturday, 18 April 2026 |
| Kick-off | 2:00 PM WAT |
| Venue | Goodison Park, Liverpool |
| Fixture Type | Merseyside Derby — one of football’s fiercest rivalries |
Head to Head Record
| Stat | Everton | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time H2H Wins | 46 | 97 |
| Draws | 72 | |
| Goals Scored (H2H) | 197 | 344 |
| Last 5 H2H | Liverpool 3W 2D | |
| Goodison Park Record (recent) | Everton have won 2 of last 5 home derbies | |
| Goals Per H2H Game | 2.5 average — derby games tend to be tight | |
Match Preview
Everton may be in a relegation battle but Merseyside Derbies are a law unto themselves — form, league position, and logic all go out of the window. Goodison Park for a derby against Liverpool is one of English football’s most intense and hostile atmospheres and Everton players have historically raised their game enormously for this fixture. Under their manager, Everton will set up with maximum defensive discipline and look to hit Liverpool on the break, knowing that a famous derby victory could effectively save their season.
Liverpool under Arne Slot have been one of the Premier League’s most consistent sides this season, playing intelligent, possession-based football with a high defensive line and devastating transitions. Mohamed Salah remains one of the best players in the world and Virgil van Dijk’s defensive leadership gives Liverpool a foundation to build from. However, Liverpool have historically found Goodison Park a difficult ground and derby upsets are always possible when Everton are at their passionate best.
Team Form – Last 5 Matches
| Team | Form | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | L W D L W | 5 | 7 |
| Liverpool | W W W D W | 14 | 3 |
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Threat |
|---|---|---|
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Everton | Everton captain — aerial threat and derby performer |
| Dwight McNeil | Everton | Creative winger — key to Everton’s counter-attacks |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | One of the world’s best — always dangerous in derbies |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Liverpool captain — dominant, commanding defender |
| Luis Diaz | Liverpool | Explosive Colombian winger — pace and directness |
Our Prediction
Liverpool are the significantly better side on current form and squad quality but the Merseyside Derby defies normal logic. Goodison Park will be at its most ferocious and Everton will fight with everything they have. However, Liverpool’s quality and consistency under Slot makes them clear favourites. We back Liverpool to win but expect Everton to score — derby games rarely end cleanly.
| Market | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Liverpool Win |
| Correct Score | 1-2 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 |
| Best Bet | Liverpool Win & BTTS |
| Value Bet | Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime |
Kick-off: 2:00 PM WAT | Competition: England Premier League | Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool
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