Everton hasn`t managed to defeat Liverpool in the Premier League since 2024. Nevertheless, ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby, David Moyes has reasons to believe his team can be the first to take points from the Reds this new season. Liverpool has secured last-minute stoppage-time winners in three of their last four matches. Additionally, in two of these games, they squandered two-goal leads, indicating a potent attack under Arne Slot but also a need for defensive improvements.
Typically, such derbies are low-scoring affairs, but this Saturday is likely to be different. Thanks to the acquisitions of Kernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish, Everton is actively creating scoring opportunities and converting them effectively; their 39 chances created rank them sixth in the Premier League. Liverpool, meanwhile, has scored nine goals in four matches, the best in the league, and ranks second in chances created with 49.
Jack Grealish`s four assists put him at the top of the Premier League, which is logical, as he has become a key figure in this revamped Everton side. The Toffees have scored only one goal this season without Grealish`s involvement. While his 80% goal involvement rate seems unsustainable, when he moved from Aston Villa to Manchester City, he had a more modest, yet still high, 29% involvement. This is a player accustomed to being the central element of an attack and unafraid to take risks when the entire defense is focused on him. Moreover, Liverpool`s defense hasn`t proven strong enough to completely stop opponents, as demonstrated on the opening day when Antoine Semenyo scored a brace for Bournemouth.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Everton, odds, and key information
- Date: Saturday, Sep. 20 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Anfield — Liverpool, England
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Liverpool -230; Draw +360; Everton +600
Everton aims to prove its place in the top half of the table after opening the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and betting on Grealish could help them achieve this. A victory over Liverpool isn`t an ultimate goal in itself, but if Everton can achieve it, it would crown a strong start to the season. Leaving Anfield with a positive result would be an incredible boost.
However, there`s a minor issue with Everton`s defense that will make this match different from their usual encounters. Jordan Pickford has been forced to perform miracles, as Everton has allowed the seventh-highest expected goals this season (6.11 xG), yet conceded only three actual goals. This is a serious warning sign ahead of facing Liverpool`s attack, comprising Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike, which can be a nightmare for even seasoned defenders. Injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko have weakened their usually solid defense, which means if Everton wants a result, they`ll need to attack Liverpool.
Even after taking the lead, the Reds have been vulnerable to conceding goals. If Everton can maintain their focus for all 90 minutes to avoid stoppage-time heartbreak, this will be their best chance to secure a victory in this historic rivalry in quite some time.
