Everton take on Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this afternoon.
It’s the first Merseyside derby at Everton’s new ground, so it’s set to be a special atmosphere on the docks.
Roy Keane has predicted a 2-2 draw, and Alan Shearer also agrees that David Moyes’ side will pick up a point.
What would you say to the lads before they head out for kick-off on Sunday? 🤔
Ahead of the clash, Moyes has shared what the main difference is between the Merseyside derby and the Old Firm up in Scotland.
David Moyes says there is a ‘closeness’ between Everton and Liverpool
Writing in his programme notes, Moyes admitted that the Merseyside derby is just as fierce as Celtic vs Rangers, but suggested it’s the ‘closeness’ of the two teams that’s different.
“So many derby matches are played up and down the country and many of them are famous for their rivalry – but the Merseyside derby match is right up there with any which is played in the United Kingdom,” the Scotsman stated on Everton’s website.
“I was brought up in a city where the rivalry is intense. It’s just as fierce here as it is in Glasgow and it’s an honour to be the manager of one of the teams in this fixture.
“Today we welcome Arne Slot and his Liverpool team to Hill Dickinson for the first time. There has always been a closeness between the two clubs in this city and we have huge respect for our rivals.
“But over the years we have enjoyed some successes against them and we hope we can add to them today.”
What changes would you make from the Brentford game? 😬
Moyes also had a message for Toffees fans: “I would like to say a big thank you to the supporters who worked so hard to make the stadium so atmospheric for our last match here against Chelsea, with the banners and the coach welcome, and we know you will all do the same again today and give us great backing.
“We’re into the final six games of the season now and we believe there is something to play for. The players are in good spirits, they have been playing with a lot of confidence and self-belief and hopefully we can continue that today. Enjoy.”
Everton can close the gap on Liverpool to just two points this afternoon, so there’s actually still an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 5 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 32 | 15 | 7 | 10 | 52 | 42 | 10 | 52 |
| 6 |  ChelseaChelsea | 33 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 53 | 42 | 11 | 48 |
| 7 |  BrentfordBrentford | 33 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 48 | 44 | 4 | 48 |
| 8 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 33 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 48 |
| 9 |  BrightonBrighton | 33 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 45 | 39 | 6 | 47 |
| 10 |  EvertonEverton | 32 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 39 | 37 | 2 | 47 |
| 11 |  SunderlandSunderland | 32 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 33 | 36 | -3 | 46 |
| 12 |  FulhamFulham | 33 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 43 | 46 | -3 | 45 |
| 13 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 31 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 42 |
| 14 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 33 | 12 | 6 | 15 | 46 | 49 | -3 | 42 |
A win would see Moyes’ side move above Chelsea and into sixth, which is a Europa League spot, so there’s certainly a lot riding on the derby.
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