Virgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute winner as Liverpool left it late to beat Everton in the first Merseyside derby to be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and claim a huge Premier League victory.
Mohamed Salah had struck Liverpool’s first goal at Everton’s new stadium just two-and-a-half minutes after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had given the hosts a deserved lead, only to see his strike disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Everton responded well in the second half and pulled themselves level when Beto slid in to finish Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross, which left Liverpool turning to their third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman after an injury to Giorgio Mamardashvili.
Substitute Rio Ngumoha had a very late chance to win the derby for Liverpool but, in the last minute of 11 minutes of stoppage time, Van Dijk rose to head in a corner and secure a famous win for the visitors.
It leaves Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot, with five gams of the season remaining. Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester United last night.
Follow updates from Everton v Liverpool, below
Everton v Liverpool: Latest Premier League updates
- Liverpool snatch last-gasp winner over Everton in first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Virgil van Dijk heads home in the 100th minute to grab 2-1 win and boost Reds' Champions League hopes
- Who is Freddie Woodman? Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, and Gareth Southgate’s godson
- 100' - GOAL! Van Dijk heads home winner 10 minutes into injury time (EVE 1-2 LIV)
- 56' - INJURY! Mamardashvili forced off as Liverpool bring on third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman (EVE 1-1 LIV)
- 55' - GOAL! Everton level as Beto slides in Dewsbury-Hall's low cross (EVE 1-1 LIV)
- 29' - GOAL! Salah slots home after superb Gakpo past to give Liverpool the lead (EVE 0-1 LIV)
WATCH: Virgil van Dijk snatches victory for Liverpool
21:03 , Luke BakerAnd finally, here’s the moment that Van Dijk won it. Limbs for Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk scores in the 100th minute! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/akencyyjoX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
WATCH: Beto equalises for Everton
20:30 , Luke BakerThe moment that Beto deservedly equalised for Everton. They were so close to snatching a point
Beto equalises for Everton! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LeVwNlZ6dx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
WATCH: Salah makes history in Merseyside derby
20:01 , Luke BakerThe first goal in a Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium fittingly went to Mohamed Salah
Moments after Iliman Ndiaye's goal was ruled out, Mohamed Salah gives Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside derby 😱 pic.twitter.com/UgNLj0l8cq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Inside the Liverpool dressing room
19:30 , Luke BakerA smiling Mo Salah in the dressing room after victory in his final Merseyside derby
Beto makes amends but Everton rue missed chances
19:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Everton roared on by a feverish atmosphere in the first Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool would have been expecting their neighbours to make a lightning start. Still, they did not look prepared for how Everton would fly out of the traps and Arne Slot’s side were very fortunate to not fall behind early on.
Giorgi Mamardashvili first made an important stop to deny Beto’s header before Everton twice got in behind the Liverpool defence. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was played in with a ball over the top and demanded a penalty after stand-in right back Curtis Jones came in from the side and challenged him with his shoulder. Beto was slipped through but was closer to the corner flag than the goal with his finish as he opened up his body and looked for the far corner.
Iliman Ndiaye’s goal ended up being a hugely deflating moment, as Everton went from thinking they had taken a deserved lead to going behind just two-and-a-half minutes later. But Beto made amends in the second half as he slid in to score Everton’s equaliser. After their earlier let-offs, Liverpool were once again caught out by the ball over the top, with Dewsbury-Hall finding space and shrugging aside Ibrahima Konate before firing the ball across.
Anonymous Isak and Wirtz struggle to make an impact
18:35 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the rest of the season, and much longer, this was another difficult day for Liverpool’s two other expensive signings in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Neither looked ready for the frantic nature of a Merseyside derby away from home, with Isak still working his way up to full fitness and Wirtz still adjusting to the physicality of the Premier League.
Both were quiet in the early spell where Everton were on top. Isak managed just two touches in the first 40 minutes of the game, before firing straight at Jordan Pickford shortly before half-time in his only sight of goal. Wirtz managed to find Isak at one stage and send him through on goal, but Jarred Branthwaite was quite easily able to get across and muscle the striker off the ball.
Liverpool lost control in the second half and when Everton equalised it came following another sustained period of pressure. Arne Slot eventually reacted by withdrawing Isak for Rio Ngumoha in the 72nd minute, and then Wirtz for Alexis Mac Allister as part of a double-change in the 84th minute. Neither had made an impact and the changes could have come much earlier.
Goalkeeper crisis for Liverpool after Mamardashvili injury
18:17 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool could enter a crucial stretch of their season down to their third-choice goalkeeper after Giorgio Mamardashvili was stretchered off with an injury sustained when Beto slid in to score Everton’s equaliser. It was unclear if Beto or the recovering Andy Robertson collided with Mamardashvili, but the Georgia international was left in serious pain.
It meant Freddie Woodman made just his second appearance for Liverpool, and Premier League debut for the Reds, as a second-half substitute. With Everton pushing for a winner, it was difficult circumstances for the 29-year-old to come into, and they was a nervous moment as he had to come out from his box to head away after Virgil van Dijk guided the ball back to him.
Woodman may now be required to play a significant part in Liverpool’s run-in as they aim to finish in the top-five and qualify for the Champions League. Alisson Becker may not return before the end of the month and Liverpool’s No 1 has been out since March with his own injury issues. Woodman’s only previous appearance for Liverpool came in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup earlier this season and he may need to face the Eagles again when they travel to Anfield next weekend. After that, Liverpool go to Manchester United on Sunday 3 May.
These will be big challenges for an inexperienced goalkeeper, but it was telling Liverpool’s players surrounded Woodman at the full-time whistle.
Mohamed Salah makes more history in final derby
17:52 , Jamie BraidwoodPart of Mohamed Salah’s legacy at Anfield is his outstanding record against Liverpool’s two biggest rivals: Manchester United and Everton. On his last Merseyside derby, Salah made sure to bag himself another record, and write his name into the history of this fixture one last time before he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.
Just a couple of moments after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had scored the first Merseyside derby goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Salah was clinical as he finished first-time from Cody Gakpo’s excellent ball across the face of goal. After scoring Liverpool’s last goal at Goodison Park, he had their first in Everton’s new home.
It also took Salah level with Steven Gerrard for the most Premier League goals in the Merseyside derby, with nine. Like this one, many of those finishes had been slipped, cooly, past Jordan Pickford, leaving England’s No 1 with no chance.
Everton could rue losing the ball in the build-up, with Dwight McNeil giving it away as the hosts looked to build from the back. But Liverpool, and Salah, were ruthless. It rather compounds the strangeness of Arne Slot’s decision not to start him against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
Has Van Dijk’s latest Merseyside derby winner ended top-five race?
17:33 , Jamie BraidwoodVirgil van Dijk’s first goal for Liverpool came as he rose from an in-swinging corner from the left to head in a late winner against Everton in the FA Cup third round. Eight years on from the captain’s dramatic debut at Anfield, Van Dijk provided another historic Merseyside derby moment when he headed in Liverpool’s winner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Liverpool have conceded seven goals in stoppage-time in the Premier League this season, losing games at Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Wolves and against Manchester City. But this was an call-back to Liverpool’s run at the start of the season, when they won games late on against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Liverpool are often involved in late drama, but Arne Slot could reflect that was about time it went his side’s way.
It could be crucial in the race to finish in the top-five, which is what Liverpool’s failed Premier League title defence has come down to after recent exits from the Champions League and FA Cup. After Chelsea’s defeat at home to Manchester United last night, Liverpool have opened up a seven-point advantage over the sixth-placed Blues with five games to go. That is surely insurmountable.
Arne Slot admits importance of derby win
17:16 , Luke BakerLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left under no illusions about how big that victory was for his side.
“What else would you expect when you play here? It was always going to be a real battle,” he told the BBC.
“My players did what I was hoping they'd do, what I expected they'd do and give Everton a big fight. In the end, scoring is a joy to see because our away fans were brilliant today. A good day for the red side of Liverpool.
“We got better and better in the game. The moment they scored for 1-1 was the moment I expected it the least because we started the second half well. Then towards the end we kept on pushing, were close a few times, and then scoring a goal you would expect Everton to score - a set piece - is nice for us."
“Of course. We all know it's a special occasion, the first derby in their new stadium, you know it is one for history and to beat them for the second time this year - we haven't had a lot of positive things happen for us this season, we've usually conceded late.
“To score late, you could see the reaction of our players to the fans and the fans to our players. That tells you everything about how important this game is for us.”
Everton 'lost for words' at defeat
17:01 , Luke BakerContrastingly, Everton were left devastated by Van Dijk’s late goal. Toffees defender Jake O’Brien gave his thoughts to Sky Sports.
“I’m lost for words really,” said O’Brien. “I thought we played well for the majority of the game and had the better chances. Then let ourselves down with a poor goal at the end. It's not a result that reflects the game, I don't think.
“Coming into a game like this is huge. Moments in a game can go for or against you but we stayed in it. Moments can be capitalised on and they scored a goal at the end that was really poor.
“I think we played well and the atmosphere was really good. It was a small moment that let us down, I think we were the better team on the day.
“There are still a few games to go and we're right in it [the fight for Europe]. The table is very tight.”
Van Dijk: 'We have to make the best of a poor season'
16:43 , Luke BakerLiverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk admits it’s up to his side to try and salvage a poor season at the death.
“Today was massive in the situation that we are, in hunt for the Champions League spots,” Van Dijk said to Sky Sports after the win.
“That is definitely not Liverpool-worthy, in my opinion, but it is the reality and it was important we got the win. I'm glad we did."
“We've got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots. Every game is a big one. Like I said, we are very disappointed as whole for the season that we're having because of the quality we have. It's below standards.
“But we have to keep fighting, keep going and make the best out of this poor season we're having. That's the reality, onto the next. Today was a good three points and next up is Crystal Palace at home, who we couldn't beat for many, many games before.”
Everton v Liverpool talking points: Has Van Dijk ended race for Champions League despite goalkeeper crisis?
16:33 , Luke BakerVirgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute winner as Liverpool left it late to beat Everton in the first Merseyside derby to be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and claim a huge Premier League victory.
Mohamed Salah had struck Liverpool’s first goal at Everton’s new stadium just two-and-a-half minutes after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had given the hosts a deserved lead, only to see his strike disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Everton responded well in the second half and pulled themselves level when Beto slid in to finish Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross, which left Liverpool turning to their third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman after an injury to Giorgio Mamardashvili.
And, in the last minute of 11 minutes of stoppage time, Van Dijk rose to head in a corner and secure a famous win for the visitors.
It leaves Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot, with five games of the season remaining. Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester United last night.
Read all of the talking points, courtesy of Jamie Braidwood:
Everton v Liverpool result: Has Van Dijk ended race for Champions League?
Liverpool snatch late win over Everton
16:27 , Luke BakerWow! What a finish to the Merseyside derby. Liverpool arguably got away with it but an incredible moment at the new home of their bitter rivals.
The contrasting emotions!
Jamie Carragher shares his thoughts on Liverpool win
16:16 , Luke BakerUnsurprisingly, Jamie Carragher is delighted with that late Liverpool win.
"The result is absolutely HUGE for Liverpool" @Carra23 shares his full-time thoughts after a dramatic end to the Merseyside derby 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EqAw51KN7e
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
WATCH: Virgil van Dijk wins it in the 100th minute
16:08 , Luke BakerHere’s that moment that Liverpool won the Merseyside derby. Virgil van Dijk the hero
Virgil van Dijk scores in the 100th minute! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/akencyyjoX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
FULL-TIME! Everton 1-2 Liverpool
16:04 , Luke BakerAND THAT’S IT! All over - heartbreak for Everton but Virgil van Dijk has snatched a Merseyside derby victory right at the death
Everton 1-2 Liverpool, 90+11 mins
16:03 , Luke BakerJames Garner lunges in and earns a yellow card for the foul. Just frustration at this point
GOAL! Everton 1-2 Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk, 100 mins)
16:00 , Luke BakerOH MY WORD! INCREDIBLE STUFF. Virgil van Dijk has snatched a last-gasp victory for Liverpool!!! Unreal.
Everton hearts broken at the Hill Dickinson. Szoboszlai puts the corner into the mixer, Van Dijk reads the flight of the ball and heads home from six yards out. Incredible!
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 90+7 mins
15:56 , Luke BakerJeers from the Everton fans as they think Woodman is taking too long over a free-kick. I’m not sure Liverpool are really playing for the point but Everton are certainly eyeing all three.
The Reds patiently probe in the Toffees half but Ngumoha’s pass is errant and the hosts clear
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 90+3 mins
15:54 , Luke BakerFrimpong runs at Mykolenko and Garner, ending up sandwiched between the two. He commits the foul himself trying to get up though.
Mac Allister then catches an opponent and gets a talking to from the ref before Woodman almost has a moment of disaster bu manages to scramble clear at the last second.
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 89 mins
15:49 , Luke BakerGeorge’s header drifts out harmlessly for a goal-kick. Will we get a winner?
There will be 11 minutes of injury time to do so!
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 86 mins
15:47 , Luke BakerBranthwaite looks devastated as he’s taken off on the stretcher. Could that be his World Cup chances over? You have to feel for the lad, whose season has been blighted by injury
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 85 mins
15:45 , Luke BakerGravenberch takes aim from distance but his shot is well over the bar.
More subs - this time for Liverpool - as Gakpo and Wirtz trot off with Alexis Mac Allister and Jeremie Frimpong given the job of snatching a winner. Milos Kerkez then comes on for Andy Robertson shortly after
And now bad news for Everton. Branthwaite looks to have injured his hamstring during a slide and he’s in some pain. He’s going to be stretchered off as Michael Keane comes on.
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 80 mins
15:39 , Luke BakerChelsea loanee Tyrique George comes on for Everton as Dwight McNeil jogs off. Can he find that one moment to decide this game?
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 77 mins
15:37 , Luke BakerPenalty appeals from Everton as Dewsbury-Hall bursts into the box and is muscled off the ball by Konate but there’s absolutely nothing in it. Good strength by the Liverpool centre-back.
McNeil then runs into the channel and is found near the byline but there’s no one there for his well-placed cross. I’m not sure why Barry wasn’t making a run into the six-yard box and gambling on it
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 74 mins
15:33 , Luke BakerAh, there are the subs I mentioned. Beto ultimately can’t continue after that clash of heads and he’s got a black eye coming up something fierce. Surely the medical teams should have looked more at him and Konate at the time?
Anyway, he’s off, with Thierno Barry coming on. Meanwhile, Arne Slot turns to man of the moment Rio Ngumoha as the teenager is brought on to try and create something special to win the game, with the ineffective Alexander Isak going off
Who is Freddie Woodman? Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, and Gareth Southgate’s godson
15:31 , Luke BakerLiverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was thrown into the Merseyside derby at Everton after an injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili left the Reds down to their third-choice goalie.
With Alisson Becker already unavailable due to injury, Mamardashvili was stretchered off following a painful collision when Beto scored the equaliser for Everton.
Woodman, 29, joined Liverpool last summer on a free transfer from Preston North End. It was his first appearance for Liverpool in the Premier League, and only his second since making his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this season.
Learn all about Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper:
Who is Freddie Woodman? Liverpool turn to third-choice goalkeeper
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 70 mins
15:29 , Luke BakerInto the final 20 minutes of this Merseyside derby. It’s been frantic, compelling stuff. I wouldn’t like to call which way it’s going to go.
Beto and Konate with a nasty (but totally innocent) clash of heads. Both men trying to shake it off and will continue.
Incidentally, the only sub so far has been the enforced goalkeeper change for Liverpool. Will either side turn to their bench to try and find a winner soon?
WATCH: Beto slides Everton level in derby
15:27 , Luke BakerHere’s the moment Beto slid Everton level in the derby. It’s also when Mamardashvili got injured
Beto equalises for Everton! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LeVwNlZ6dx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 65 mins
15:24 , Luke BakerHardly Banks from Pele but a save for Woodman to make as Ndiaye charges down the left and strikes at goal, with the third-choice Liverpool stopper able to push it away. Strong hands but a save you’d expect him to make
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 63 mins
15:23 , Luke BakerDewsbury-Hall on the half-turn but Woodman does well to gather the ball with minimal fuss. As mentioned, Liverpool signed him from Preston but he started out at Newcastle and had a slew of loans, most notably at Swansea, but also with the likes of Kilmarnock, Crawley and Aberdeen
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 59 mins
15:21 , Luke BakerHuge moments for Freddie Woodman, who has played just one match for Liverpool - a Carabao Cup encounter. The 29-year-old was signed from Preston last summer.
Shots fly wide at both ends as Gravenberch’s effort isn’t too far wide before McNeil skies his attempt, ensuring Woodman isn’t forced into action
Everton 1-1 Liverpool, 56 mins
15:17 , Luke BakerThings going from bad to worse for Liverpool. Giorgi Mamardashvili is down and in considerable pain. The stretcher is coming on and the Georgian will be carted off.
Liverpool will have to bring on their third-choice keeper, Freddie Woodman for his Premier League debut for the Reds! His dad, Andy, has already had a great weekend - he’s manager of Bromley and they secured promotion to League One yesterday
GOAL! Everton 1-1 Liverpool (Beto, 55 mins)
15:15 , Luke BakerTHERE’S THE EQUALISER! Everton back level and it’s Beto who gets their first Merseyside derby goal at the new ground.
Dewsbury-Hall runs into the channel, holds off Konate and fizzes a beautifully-weighted low ball across the box that Beto slides in! Huge roars from the Everton crowd and they’re right back in this
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 52 mins
15:12 , Luke BakerHeavy touch from Mo Salah to give the ball away after great work by Wirtz.
Everton are hustling here, trying to create something for themselves. But the red wall is holding firm and nicking the ball back.
Liverpool then try to counter but Branthwaite with a hard, clean sliding tackle on Isak on halfway to knock the ball away when he had room to run into.
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 48 mins
15:08 , Luke BakerNo changes at half-time for either side. Everton haven’t come from behind to win a Merseyside derby since December 1992, so they’ll need to overcome the weight of history here.
They surge forward early in this second half after Jones gives the ball away, Ndiaye clips the ball across from a dangerous position on the left but no one is there.
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-1 Liverpool
15:05 , Luke BakerBack underway at the HDS (is that a thing...?) Everton need at least one goal to ensure this auspicious occasion doesn’t end in defeat
Streets turn blue outside Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Merseyside Derby
15:00 , Luke BakerIt’s been an incredible atmosphere so far and that started before the game, outside the ground.
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-1 Liverpool
14:49 , Luke BakerAnd that’s half-time in the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Mohamed Salah made history by scoring the first goal in this fixture at the new ground but that was moments after Iliman Ndiaye thought he’d opened the scoring for Everton, only for VAR to intervene with an offside.
There’s not been much between the sides but Liverpool take a lead into the break
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 45+1 mins
14:47 , Luke BakerIsak fashions an opportunity to shoot but his effort is tame and straight at Pickford. You’d expect better from the Swede there
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 45 mins
14:46 , Luke BakerThat’s a real waste from Liverpool. They pinch the ball as Everton play out from the back again, Gakpo burst into the left edge of the box and then tries to feed Robertson on the overlap but it’s clumsy and can be shepherded out for a goal-kick. Poor from Gakpo.
Into two minutes of injury time.
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 43 mins
14:44 , Luke BakerSzoboszlai’s corner from the right is swung in but dealt with easily enough and Everton clear
SAVE! Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 41 mins
14:42 , Luke BakerEven though Liverpool lead, they certainly haven’t controlled this Merseyside derby and Alexander Isak has hardly been in the game at all.
Everton’s intensity has dropped slightly since the goal though and the Reds may be able to capitalise. To that point, Gakpo drives forward with purpose, cuts inside and unleashes a shot that Pickford tips over the bar.
WATCH: Salah makes history in Merseyside derby
14:40 , Luke BakerThe first goal in a Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and, fittingly, it was scored by Mohamed Salah.
It did come just moments after Iliman Ndiaye’s effort was ruled out for offside though.
Moments after Iliman Ndiaye's goal was ruled out, Mohamed Salah gives Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside derby 😱 pic.twitter.com/UgNLj0l8cq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 36 mins
14:38 , Luke BakerEverton need to find a way back into this match and they win a corner. Liverpool have been susceptible to set-pieces this term but Van Dijk defends it well.
Everton then attack again but Robertson draws the foul from Ndiaye in his own area, to jeers from the hone fans.
Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 32 mins
14:34 , Luke BakerSalah is a rejuvenated man in recent weeks, now scoring in three straight league games. He’s suddenly alive in this match as well, immediately running at Everton again.
That was his ninth Merseyside derby goal - the joint most in Premier League history, tied with Steven Gerrard.
GOAL! Everton 0-1 Liverpool (Mohamed Salah, 29 mins)
14:31 , Luke BakerWOW! What a turnaround! Instead of Ilimin Ndiaye, it’s Mo Salah with the first Merseyside goal here!
Everton caught playing out from the back and the oft-maligned Cody Gakpo slides a stunning pass between defenders, across the area, into the path of the onrushing Salah who slots it home first time from eight yards out.
What a moment! Heartbreak for Everton just after they thought they were 1-0 up though!
NO GOAL! Everton 0-0 Liverpool (Iliman Ndiaye, 28 mins)
14:30 , Luke BakerTHERE IT IS! The first Merseyside derby goal at the Hill Dickinson and it’s repeated history-maker Iliman Ndiaye! Last goal at Goodison, first at the Hill Dickinson and now the first in a Merseyside derby here.
One long ball slices Liverpool apart, Pickford lofting the ball out wide to O’Brien, he whips it in, poor defending from Konate and Iliman Ndiaye takes a touch before firing home.
BUT WAIT! VAR wants to look at this... Is O’Brien offside from Pickford’s long ball? YES! VAR rightly says that he is, so it’s still 0-0
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 25 mins
14:26 , Luke BakerThis is getting niggly now! A proper derby!
Ndiaye and Szoboszlai tussle near halfway, a tangle of legs, tempers fray and the Everton man ends up standing over his Liverpool foe. Both sides pile in and the referee waits for it to all calm down. Fans are roaring now.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 23 mins
14:25 , Luke BakerFirst yellow card of the day and it belongs to Jordan Pickford. Van Dijk clatters Gueye and both Pickford and Branthwaite are livid.
The England No 1 berates the referee for not producing a card at which point he does - booking Pickford for his complaints. Chris Kavanagh laying down a marker!
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 21 mins
14:23 , Luke BakerNot the best start to this game by Wirtz, who has given the ball away a couple of times. There hasn’t been much service for Isak to sink his teeth into either.
Liverpool win another corner when Gakpo’s shot, that looks to be going straight at Pickford, is deflected wide. Pickford forced to palm the cross behind for another corner but Branthwaite does really well to power a header clear from Salah’s follow-up set-piece.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 18 mins
14:20 , Luke BakerLiverpool win the corner and it’s right into the mixer where a number of Reds players are around Pickford. It’s a slight flap from the England No 1 but he gets enough on it to divert the ball away from goal and the clearance is completed from there.
CHANCE! Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 16 mins
14:18 , Luke BakerThat was a chance for Everton! A lovely clipped ball over the top, Beto is on the shoulder of Konate and races clear of the Liverpool centre-back.
He bursts into the box to the left of the goal, opens his body up to try and steer the ball into the far corner but completely shanks the shot, well wide of the post, almost along the face of the six-yard box... Truthfully, that was a rubbish finish.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 15 mins
14:16 , Luke BakerFree-kick in a dangerous position on the left for Everton. Garner goes for goal and Mamardashvili goes to his left to push it clear. Flag up anyway as an offside Branthwaite tried to get his head on the free-kick
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 12 mins
14:15 , Luke BakerAppeals for a penalty from the Everton fans as Curtis Jones goes shoulder to shoulder with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has run off the back of Szoboszlai and goes to the ground, but the referee isn’t interested.
VAR quickly agrees after a check and that looked like the right decision to me - just your normal physicality in a football match. Dewsbury-Hall was keen to go down
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 10mins
14:12 , Luke BakerLiverpool need to settle after that early scare and they patiently build before winning a first corner of the day.
Szoboszlai’s cross is headed away by Beto though. Gravenberch then clatters Gueye on halfway to stop the counter-attack - Everton beg for a yellow card but just the free-kick.
Here’s that Mamardashvili save from a little earlier
SAVE! Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 7 mins
14:08 , Luke BakerSo close to a first Merseyside derby goal at the Hill Dickinson! Garner whips in a gorgeous cross from the left, Beto fights off Konate to flick a header towards the far corner and Mamardashvili plunges to his left to claw the ball out of the corner. Brilliant save from the Liverpool keeper!
By the way, I should note that Curtis Jones appears to be the man at right-back for Liverpool today, with Szoboszlai joining Gravenberch in midfield
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 5 mins
14:05 , Luke BakerGravenberch gives away the first foul of the day near halfway and shakes his head as he jogs away. Everton work the ball into the box but Tarkowski’s flick-on goes out for a goal-kick.
The Everton fans no slowing down in their constant jeering of Liverpool whenever they’re on the ball
Everton 0-0 Liverpool, 2 mins
14:03 , Luke BakerThe Everton fans roaring every touch so far and booing most of Liverpool’s, especially from captain Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It’s loud!
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-0 Liverpool
14:01 , Luke BakerAnd we’re off! Underway for the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Let’s get it!
Teams are out and tifo on display
13:59 , Luke BakerThe tifo that was leaked during the week is displayed in the home end. It’s absolutely amazing - a brilliant job! ‘The Originals’ with the new stadium rising up from below and the Beatles having their red scarves photoshopped to blue, among other elements. Class!
The teams walk out and the atmosphere is crackling. This is awesome. Goosebumps
Everton v Liverpool
13:54 , Luke BakerFive minutes until kick-off and the Hill Dickinson Stadium is absolutely rocking
Hill Dickinson Stadium's first Merseyside derby
13:47 , Luke BakerA first Merseyside derby at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium this afternoon. It’s a stunning venue to be fair, and is looking exquisite today. Can Everton give it the christening they want?
Arne Slot insist Hugo Ekitike will return stronger after ‘devastating’ injury
13:38 , Luke BakerHugo Ekitike’s achilles injury is a devastating blow for Liverpool but Arne Slot has backed the Frenchman to return stronger than ever.
The painful Liverpool decision created by Hugo Ekitike’s disastrous injury
13:30 , Luke BakerTo play Alexander Isak or not? That is the dilemma facing Arne Slot. Today, he has opted to start the Swede, with Hugo Ekitike’s injury absence rendering Isak crucial to Liverpool’s chances for the rest of the season.
However, Liverpool have lost four of the six Premier League matches Isak has started this season. Now they have six to go, with Champions League qualification on the line and no Ekitike.
As Mo Salah prepares to wave goodbye again, their hopes could rest on Isak salvaging something from his car crash of a season – or on Slot knowing when not to pick him.
Read Richard Jolly’s full analysis of the situation:
The painful Liverpool decision created by Hugo Ekitike’s disastrous injury
Liverpool arrive at the Hill Dickonson
13:20 , Luke BakerHere’s how Liverpool pulled up for their first-ever game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium a little earlier.
The Reds have arrived 💪@Expedia | #Ad pic.twitter.com/zmMfabCyBA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 19, 2026
David Moyes happy to talk about Everton European hopes
13:12 , Luke BakerDavid Moyes has done superbly in his second spell at Everton and they’re in a good position to qualify for Europe this season.
The Toffees are 10th in the table but only one point behind Chelsea in sixth ahead of today’s Merseyside derby - their game in hand. And there’s no reticence from Moyes in talking about the European ambitions.
“This is a great position that Everton are in,” he tells Sky Sports. “We’ve not been in this position for a long time. Why would we not talk it up?”
"We've not been in this position for a long time!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
David Moyes on Everton's success ahead of the Merseyside derby 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZGutn4QqQv
Everton v Liverpool team news
13:03 , Luke BakerIt’s certainly an attacking line-up from Arne Slot today! Alexander Isak starts up tip but Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are all in the team as well.
It looks like Dominik Szoboszlai will be the fill-in right-back once more (although feasibly, Curtis Jones could slot in there) and Alisson is still not fit enough to return, so Giorgi Mamardashvili continues between the sticks.
Everton line up pretty much as expected, with Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye providing the creative ingenuity behind Beto.
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Everton team news
12:52 , Luke BakerAnd here’s how Everton will line up. Beto leading the line for them
Your derby day Toffees! ✊🔵#EVELIV pic.twitter.com/y2mlbTLrIe
— Everton (@Everton) April 19, 2026
Liverpool team news
12:50 , Luke BakerHere’s the Liverpool team for this afternoon. We’ll have full analysis shortly but Alexander Isak starts up top in place of Hugo Ekitike
The Reds to take on Everton 🔴 #EVELIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 19, 2026
Team news incoming
12:43 , Luke BakerWe’re a couple of minutes away from today’s team news. The big question of course is who will start up top for Liverpool in place of the injured Hugo Ekitike.
After a season-ending achilles injury to Ekitike, Arne Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.
Atmosphere building ahead of Merseyside derby
12:34 , Luke BakerIt should be a cracking atmosphere for the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium today.
Fans are flooding the streets around the ground already and anticipation is rising
Key battle: James Garner vs Dominic Szoboszlai
12:22 , Jack RathbornOne of the more intriguing contests today could be the middle of the pitch, with in-form James Garner up against Dominic Szoboszlai.
Liverpool will hope to win in this key area to act as the platform for a derby victory.
Both men have great engines, but its their passing that could also prove decisive.
The Hungary international is third in the league on 2.0 key passes per game, whike Garner has 1.4 per game.
While the England international has 3.0 tackles per game on average, putting him joint-second.
Could Everton launch late bid for Champions League football?
12:10 , Jack RathbornWith all the talk about Liverpool and qualifying for the Champions League again after their quarter-final exit midweek against PSG, could Everton suddenly find themselves in the hunt?
A win today against the Reds takes them within two points of their rivals in fifth. Here’s how their run-in looks:
- Liverpool (H)
- West Ham (A)
- Man City (H)
- Crystal Palace (A)
- Sunderland (H)
- Tottenham (A)
Liverpool's run-in to secure top five and Champions League football
12:00 , Jack RathbornWith a four-point gap to Chelsea in sixth, Liverpool only need 12 points to guarantee Champions League football next season.
And with six games remaining, four wins will be enough, though they do play Chelsea at Anfield, meaning they could only need two more wins outside that contest.
- Everton (A)
- Crystal Palace (H)
- Man United (A)
- Chelsea (H)
- Aston Villa (A)
- Brentford (H)
Pundits claim Liverpool are now ‘underdogs’ for Merseyside derby
11:47 , Jack RathbornFormer Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has claimed that Liverpool could be underdogs for this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton after the Reds were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot’s men have six games left of the domestic season and the first one comes this weekend in a Merseyside derby, though Fowler and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney think that the champions could be “underdogs” heading into that game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“Obviously the form in the last month, I know the Galatasaray [win was] a great result but I don’t think Galatasaray are great, so they've been turned over by Brighton, beat by Man City. I think Liverpool go into this game as probably underdogs,” said Fowler on Amazon Prime Video after the full-time whistle at Anfield.
“It's the first time in a long time I've spoke to so of many friends who are Liverpool fans and they’re a little bit worried about the Merseyside derby,” explained Rooney.
“We've seen this Liverpool team all season not give as much as they can, I believe. And I think this derby game has come at the wrong time for Liverpool,” he added.
Could Beto be the danger man for Everton against Liverpool?
11:35 , Jack RathbornBeto is in fine form for the Toffees, with a surge of goals in 2026.
After a lean period to start the season, scoring just once in 19 games, the Brazilian has six goals in 13 games in 2026.
He’s now at an impressive 83 minutes per goal, up from 782 from August to December 2025.
Everton on the rise under Moyes
11:20 , Jack RathbornDavid Moyes is quickly building momentum in his second reign at Everton.
A win today in the Merseyside derby against bitter rivals Liverpool could elevate them yet further.
Since he rejoined the club, Everton are seventh from 51 games played, and only have three points less than Chelsea, who are fifth in that time.
Everton v Liverpool latest odds
11:05 , Jack RathbornEverton 21/10
Draw 5/2
Liverpool 6/5
Odds via Betfair
Everton v Liverpool predicted line-ups
10:55 , Jack RathbornEverton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ngumoha
Liverpool’s rebuild project is now clear – here’s how it might look under Arne Slot
10:45 , Jack RathbornArne Slot may have two audiences to convince, but his message has been consistent this week. Liverpool’s future will be brighter, he said in the aftermath of their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Which, some would say, it has to be; they do not want another season like this. And certainly not if the current campaign, which is certain to finish without silverware, ends without securing Champions League football for next year.
But if, of the two groups of people Slot needs to persuade that he can oversee that improvement, owners Fenway Sports Group and their representatives at Anfield, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, may be more receptive than a sceptical fanbase. Slot accepts that they will need to glimpse the evidence to support his optimism. “I think people only start to believe when they are seeing it,” Slot said. “That’s what we need to do after the summer, but we are mainly focused here on the upcoming six games because that could also impact our plans for the summer at this club.”
Liverpool’s rebuild project is now clear – here’s how it might look
David Moyes keen for Everton to show new power of Hill Dickinson Stadium against Liverpool
10:35 , Jack Rathborn“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.
“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.
“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.
“Derbies don’t need bigging up and today gives us the opportunity to show off the power of Hill Dickinson Stadium again.”
Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer decision helps in battle to qualify for Champions League
10:25 , Jack RathbornArne Slot hopes Liverpool’s contentious decision to sign two No 9s will prove smart in the battle to finish inside the top five and secure Champions League football next season.
“It's a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.
“Now we thought maybe it's a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that's why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.
Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer secures top five finish
Everton v Liverpool team news
10:13 , Jack RathbornEverton are still without Jack Grealish but David Moyes has no new fitness concerns following the 2-2 draw at Brentford last weekend.
Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the season while Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak is still unable to play 90 minutes after his own injury lay-off. Mohamed Salah and Rio Ngumoha could return. Joe Gomez is unavailable and Alisson Becker remains out.
Who will start in place of Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool?
10:04 , Jack RathbornArne Slot is set to make a major call for Liverpool with Hugo Ekitike’s replacement in the derby.
After a season-ending Achilles injury, Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.
Slot discussed the strategy of spending a total that could rise to beyond £200m on two No 9s, and how that could protect the Reds in the run-in without Ekitike now as they bid to hold onto a Champions League place for next term.
“It's a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.
“Now we thought maybe it's a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that's why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.
“Now people are questioning if we should sign another No 9. He was talking about five, six, seven or eight [signings this summer]. Somebody said the day after [Ekitike’s season-ending injury against PSG], you can't write the script, on the day after Alex is back, his first start, the other one leaves with a long injury.”
Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer secures top five finish
Everton v Liverpool
09:40 , Jack RathbornGood morning and welcome to a huge day in the Premier League, with the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton welcome Liverpool.
With kick-off at 2pm, the Toffees could dent the Reds’ Champions League hopes and launch their own late charge for a top-five finish with victory today.
While Arne Slot bids to bounce back from the midweek Champions League exit at the hands of PSG.
Stay with us for all the build-up, plus the latest ahead of the huge game in the title race at 4:30pm between Man City and Arsenal.
