Everton vs Liverpool: Key Stats and Talking Points

Beto hits a run of goalscoring form

Everton's recent record against Liverpool may not make for pretty reading, but on paper this fixture looks like a genuine opportunity for the Toffees to land a rare result over their neighbours. Brimming with belief and sitting just five points adrift of the Reds — who currently occupy a Champions League place — David Moyes' side are pushing to return to European football for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.

Turning that momentum into three points against Liverpool, however, has proved a stubborn problem. Everton claimed six wins from their first 15 Premier League meetings between 1992 and 1999, but from the turn of the century onwards they have managed only six victories in 52 subsequent top-flight derbies.

Just once in the last 13 seasons have the Blues been within five points of Liverpool after 32 matches — a reminder of how significant this season's table position really is.

Securing the bragging rights this weekend would also mark the first time a David Moyes-led Everton have strung together three consecutive home wins at their new ground.

Much of the Toffees' recent upturn has been powered by the goals of the once-criticised striker Beto. Since the end of February, only Bruno Fernandes (seven) has contributed to more top-flight goals in the division than the Guinea-Bissau forward's five — a tally made up of four strikes and one assist.

Reds seeking end-of-season boost

Liverpool's last remaining shot at silverware this term slipped away on Tuesday night as they were comprehensively outplayed by Paris Saint-Germain over two legs of their Champions League tie.

It was a 17th loss in what has been a difficult campaign, and the result piled further heat on head coach Arne Slot. The Dutchman was visibly frustrated by a VAR decision that overturned a 64th-minute penalty — something he believes has become a familiar story. "I'm not surprised," Slot said afterwards. "So many calls have gone against us this season."

Adding to the pile of setbacks, leading scorer Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious Achilles injury. Slot must now lift a bruised squad and refocus them on the one concrete objective left: qualifying for the Champions League.

Saturday also carries a quirky piece of history. This will be Liverpool's first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium, giving the Reds a chance to become the first club to win a Premier League match at 60 different venues. They currently sit on 59 out of 61. Two grounds remain on the list for the trivia-minded: Kenilworth Road and Bloomfield Road.