Liverpool’s lead at the Premier League summit took a hit in midweek as a late error from Caoimhin Kelleher allowed Newcastle United to snatch a 3-3 draw.
Fabian Schar’s stoppage-time equaliser cut Liverpool’s cushion at the top to seven points, with Arsenal and Chelsea now within striking distance.
Arne Slot’s side must now regroup for a high-stakes Merseyside derby tomorrow at Goodison Park, a venue steeped in history and emotion.
This will be the final derby played at Everton’s ground before their move to Bramley-Moore Dock, adding another layer of intensity to an already fiery rivalry.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Liverpool. Dropped points here would hand further momentum to their chasing rivals and leave doubts lingering about their title credentials.
However, a win would reassert their dominance at the top of the Premier League table.
Everton will enter this clash with renewed confidence after a morale-boosting 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sean Dyche’s side had endured a dismal run of five winless games and four matches without scoring.
Wednesday’s emphatic victory lifted the Toffees five points clear of the relegation zone and reignited belief among their fanbase.
Despite Everton’s resurgence, their historical struggles against Liverpool are glaring. The Toffees have only recorded six wins in 54 meetings since 2000 and haven’t beaten Liverpool in consecutive league matches since the 1984-85 season.
Last season’s shock win at Goodison ended a 12-game unbeaten run for Liverpool in this fixture, but sustaining that success remains a tall order.
Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities have become a talking point. Despite boasting the league’s best defensive record, they have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four away games.
While Mohamed Salah continues to deliver with clinical precision, the team’s fragility at the back has led to some nervy moments.
Slot’s tactical acumen will be tested in his first taste of this fixture. His predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, struggled at Goodison Park, managing just two wins in eight visits.
A victory here could set the tone for Slot’s era in this fierce rivalry and keep Liverpool’s title charge on track.
For Everton, this derby represents a chance to disrupt their rivals’ momentum while feeding off the emotion of the occasion.
Liverpool will be eager to bounce back and prove that their midweek wobble was just a blip. The stakes, both historic and immediate, couldn’t be higher.
