Image Credits: Imago Images
Everton host Liverpool this weekend in what could be the most significant Merseyside derby in recent seasons. Both sides enter the Premier League clash aiming to boost their hopes of European qualification.
Liverpool, who were knocked out of the Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, remain well placed to secure a return to the competition.
A 2-0 win over Fulham last week strengthened their hold on fifth place – currently enough for qualification – though Manchester United and Aston Villa are still in pursuit.
Everton, meanwhile, realistically need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Regardless of the result, David Moyes’ side remain in contention for a Conference League spot as they prepare to host their first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes confirmed Charly Alcaraz is available after recovering from an injury that has kept him out since February, while long-term absentee Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a foot problem.
“Charly Alcaraz is back and back training now,” Moyes told the media in his pre-match press conference. “I think we’re as much close to [fully fit] as we can be.”
Victory for Everton over their local rivals would move them to within two points of fifth-placed Liverpool. Currently eighth, David Moyes says his side are ready for the challenge of securing a European place as they head into their final six games of the season.
“Well, if they don’t rise to it, then I don’t know what they’d rise to,” added Moyes. “Over the years, if it’s having a last game of the season and avoiding relegation, then that’s nothing to celebrate, really.
“I don’t think you can be a team in the relegation zone and just surviving. I think you can celebrate winning trophies or challenging for Europe, so I hope they can enjoy this side of it rather than the side we’ve seen before.”
Liverpool will be without striker Hugo Ekitike after the Frenchman ruptured his Achilles tendon during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. The summer signing will miss the remainder of the season.
Defender Joe Gomez is also unavailable after being forced off against PSG. He came on at half-time in the quarter-final but was withdrawn in the 67th minute. Alisson Becker is also expected to remain sidelined, along with Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo.
