Resurgent Everton look to spoil Liverpool’s title charge in final Goodison derby | OneFootball

Goodison Park will host its final Merseyside derby in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The rearranged clash, postponed in December due to Storm Darragh, will see Everton attempt to halt Liverpool’s title charge while cementing their own top-flight survival.

Three straight Premier League wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City have pushed Everton nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The Toffees have rediscovered their attacking touch, scoring eight goals in those victories, and have hit three first-half goals in back-to-back home games for the first time in 63 years.

However, their FA Cup exit to Bournemouth last weekend was a reality check. Their last-ever cup tie at Goodison ended in disappointment, and facing Liverpool presents an even greater challenge.

Everton have beaten teams starting the day top of the table just four times in 47 attempts in the Premier League era.

Liverpool will arrive at Goodison looking to move nine points clear at the summit. However, their confidence has been shaken after a humiliating FA Cup exit to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Arne Slot’s much-changed side suffered a 1-0 defeat, raising questions about their squad depth and ability to compete on multiple fronts.“If you’re working at a club like this, you should compete for every trophy,” Slot admitted.

“To lose against Plymouth is not acceptable as a team. Our fans are disappointed, and now we have to show a different side of us.”Liverpool remain unbeaten in 19 league matches, have reached the League Cup final and are cruising in the Champions League.

But the defeat at Home Park exposed their reliance on key players. The second-string lineup lacked intensity, creativity and cohesion. Slot will demand a response.

“Cool heads but not cool legs,” he said of what he expects from his team against Everton.

“You have to run just as much, have to be just as intense in tackles – not going across the line, but enough to play a good and firm tackle. That’s where it starts.”Everton’s record in this fixture is dismal. They have won just six of 54 meetings since 2000.

However, last season’s victory at Goodison ended Liverpool’s 12-game unbeaten run at the ground. A repeat would give Everton back-to-back derby wins for the first time in 40 years.

With local pride and Liverpool’s title charge on the line, this final Goodison battle could be one to remember.