Everton welcome Liverpool for the first time to Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend in the Premier League.
The Toffees have had to wait until April for their inner-city rivals to make the very short trip across Liverpool to visit their new ground.
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But unlike most seasons, the two rivals are very close together with just five points separating them.
Should Everton beat Liverpool, they would come into contention for Champions League football.
So, there is a lot more on the line than just local pride.
David Moyes knows Everton have a chance of getting into the Champions League and Arne Slot is also well aware that the Reds aren’t guaranteed to be back in Europe’s elite again.
Everton vs Chelsea: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game will take place on Sunday, April 19.
Kick-off at Hill Dickinson is set for 2pm.
The game will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
Sky Go customers will be able to watch via their laptops and mobile devices.
Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can be purchased with options for a day or monthly pass available. More here.
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eSPORTY will have regular updates on GameDay Live with Sam Matterface hosting.
To tune in to eSPORTY through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the eSPORTY app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Everton vs Liverpool: Head-to-head record
The first Merseyside derby was played in 1894, and this will be the 299th time this fixture has been played.
Liverpool do have the better of it, winning 127 times, while the draw also outnumbers Everton’s wins.
The Toffees have claimed victory 84 times and there has been a draw 87 times.
Everton have two wins in the last 33 meetings between the two clubs, showing the gap in recent years.
But this presents a great chance for Everton to get a rare victory in the Merseyside Derby.
Everton vs Liverpool: Head-to-head record
Everton wins: 84
Draws: 87
Liverpool wins: 127
Everton vs Liverpool: Team news
The home side are doing well for injuries with Jack Grealish expected to be the only absentee.
The England international picked up an ankle injury earlier this year ruling him out for the season.
Carlos Alcaraz is back in training and could make the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike will miss the next nine months having ruptured his Achilles against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
Alisson Becker is also looking likely to be out until the start of May.
Curtis Jones limped off during the win over Fulham with a groin problem, so he’s an early doubt.
Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are also out.
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Everton vs Liverpool: What has been said?
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy is worried about Everton playing Liverpool.
Speaking after their 2-2 draw against Brentford, Murphy said: “That resilience is key, matched with the quality they have higher up the pitch.
“You think of Dewsbury-Hall with his contribution, (Iliman) Ndiaye, even Beto is starting to score now.
“They are more of a threat; they’ve got more quality. He’s (Moyes) has done a wonderful job.
“Nobody gave Everton a chance of Europe, nobody. Unfortunately, it’s the derby next week, I’m a bit worried about that.”
Meanwhile, Moyes is relishing the prospect of European football.
He said: “We have seven games left – tough games – but we’ve given ourselves a chance.
“If we don’t do it, we’ll all be disappointed, although I know I will be able to say this season has not been bad, given where we have come from.
“To me, this is a club that is better suited to being rebuilt gradually. We’re not Chelsea, Manchester City or Liverpool with lots of cash. Doing it step by step is the way for us.
“If we do get to Europe there will be full houses here whoever we play.”
