The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been rescheduled for 12 February, following its postponement due to Storm Darragh on 7 December. The organizers called off the original fixture due to safety concerns for supporters amidst the storm.
This match, which will be the final league encounter between the two rivals at Goodison Park, holds added significance as Everton prepares to move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock later this summer.
However, the rescheduled date is subject to Liverpool finishing in the top eight of the Champions League standings. The fixture coincides with the play-off stage for teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the league. Currently, Liverpool leads their Champions League group, having won all six of their matches, and sits six points clear of ninth place, with two games remaining.
Liverpool’s final group stage matches include a home fixture against Lille on 21 January, followed by an away trip to PSV Eindhoven on 29 January. A draw from these two matches would secure Liverpool’s spot in the round of 16, ensuring the derby against Everton can proceed as planned on 12 February.
The game will also mark the first Merseyside derby since David Moyes returned to Everton as manager. The 61-year-old Scot signed a two-and-a-half-year contract last week following the dismissal of Sean Dyche.
Currently, Everton sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the relegation zone with only three wins from their first 19 games. Meanwhile, Liverpool remains in strong form, leading the Premier League by six points with a game in hand.
As the match draws near, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool secures their Champions League qualification to ensure the Merseyside derby will be a thrilling clash at Goodison Park.
