Liverpool v Everton preview: Three key duels to watch in Merseyside derby

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Liverpool and Everton meet in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The first Merseyside derby of the 2025/26 Premier League season takes place on Saturday, with Liverpool welcoming Everton to Anfield for a lunchtime kick-off (12:30 GMT, live on TNT Sports).

The city rivals have both enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, with the Reds sitting top of the table with a 100% record and the Toffees collecting seven points, including an impressive win over Brighton on their first official match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Derbies such as these are usually closely-fought contests, and you can find the best matchday odds by checking out a non gamstop casino.

Liverpool have largely had the upper hand of it in Anfield derbies in the modern era, with Everton’s only win at the venue in the 21st century coming five seasons ago when fans couldn’t attend due to the global pandemic.

The Toffees haven’t even scored at the home of their closest rivals since that victory in February 2021, although it took a brilliantly worked Diogo Jota goal to settle the teams’ most recent meeting earlier this year. It proved to be the last goal ever scored by the 28-year-old before his tragic death in a car crash during the summer.

However, the Reds have conceded two goals in three of their last five matches in all competitions, which could give the visitors confidence of finding a way past Alisson Becker.

Liverpool defeated Everton 1-0 at Anfield in the most recent Merseyside derby
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Three keys duels in Liverpool v Everton

Alexander Isak v James Tarkowski

After a solid Liverpool debut on Wednesday night, what better occasion for Alexander Isak to score his first goal for the Reds than in the derby!

He’ll be hoping to get the better of what could be a feisty duel with James Tarkowski, who made headlines in both derbies last season for rather contrasting reasons.

Jeremie Frimpong v Jack Grealish

Liverpool’s new right-back has had a stop-start introduction to life at Anfield due to injury, but he’s looked like an exciting addition in his first few appearances.

However, he could be in for a tricky test up against Jack Grealish, who’s already supplied four assists this season as he enjoys a new lease of life on loan from Manchester City.

Florian Wirtz v Idrissa Gueye

Liverpool’s £116m playmaker was a joy to watch in their midweek win over Atletico Madrid, and if he replicates that level of performance in the derby, he could be the difference maker for the champions.

Idrissa Gueye could be handed the task of trying to shackle the German’s influence at Anfield on Saturday, a feat which won’t be easy to accomplish.

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