Merseyside Derby Showdown: Everton vs. Liverpool Preview
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the excitement of the Premier League returns to the forefront as league leaders Liverpool make their way to Goodison Park for the highly-anticipated Merseyside derby against rivals Everton. This marks the first encounter between the two clubs since last April, and fans are eager to witness the fierce competition that defines this local rivalry.
A Long-Awaited Clash
Originally scheduled for December, bad weather forced the postponement of this intense matchup, leaving both clubs with a crucial game in hand. Liverpool, having secured a Round of 16 bye in the Champions League, will seize this opportunity to further solidify their lead in the league standings while many of their competitors face challenging knockout matches.
The last encounter at Goodison Park, however, was a bitter pill for Liverpool to swallow. Everton pulled off a surprising 2-0 victory in a late-season match when both teams were ostensibly underperforming, leaving the Reds with a thirst for revenge as they step onto the pitch.
Liverpool’s Dominance
Historically, Liverpool has enjoyed a dominant period over their Merseyside rivals. Since 2010, Everton has triumphed in just three of their last 31 encounters, reflecting a significant disparity in achievement and talent between the two clubs. With Liverpool competing at the top of the Premier League while Everton is safely navigating their way through the season, the talent gap is undeniable.
Despite a recent resurgence marked by three consecutive league victories for Everton, their aspirations of taking points off the league leaders are hampered by injuries to key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil. This places Everton in a precarious position as they prepare to face a formidable Liverpool squad.
Match Facts and Betting Lines
- Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. local (2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT)
- Location: Goodison Park (Liverpool, England)
- Referee: Michael Oliver, VAR: Chris Kavanagh
- Last Meeting: Everton 2-0 Liverpool (April 24, 2024)
Betting Odds (via DraftKings)
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Everton win | +600 |
| Draw | +360 |
| Liverpool win | -230 |
| Both teams to score (Y) | -115 |
| Both teams to score (N) | -110 |
| Over 2.5 goals (O) | -150 |
| Under 2.5 goals (U) | +110 |
| Liverpool -1.5 goals | +110 |
| Everton +1.5 goals | -155 |
Predictions and Expectations
With a mixture of historical context and current form, Liverpool are heavy favorites heading into this match. Given their recent dominance and Everton’s struggles to find the back of the net despite a brief winning streak, sports analysts predict it will be a tough night for the Toffees.
One compelling betting option is to consider Everton scoring under 0.5 goals, with odds sitting at +110. This reflects their struggles offensively; they rank among the worst in the league for creativity and converting chances. Everton’s xG (expected goals) is a mere 1.21 per match, and they’ve only scored 24 goals from their xG total, illustrating their offensive woes.
Defensive Improvements
While Everton has improved defensively this season, allowing fewer shots and receiving solid goalkeeping from Jordan Pickford, asking them to contain a rampaging Liverpool side for 90 minutes seems daunting. Liverpool will likely press hard to exploit any weaknesses and capitalize on defensive errors.
Moreover, considering the trend of their past encounters, placing a bet on fewer than 2.5 total goals (+110) also looks promising. Liverpool’s ability to score heavily in derbies has waned in recent years, only managing to record three games with three or more goals since the start of the 2017/18 season.
Conclusion
As the Merseyside derby approaches, the narrative is set for an exhilarating contest under the lights at Goodison Park. While Liverpool seeks to avenge their previous defeat and cement their position at the top of the league, Everton hopes to defy expectations and draw strength from their recent form. As fans, players, and betters gear up for the match, one thing is for certain—the passion and intensity of the Merseyside derby is unmatched.
