The First Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium is Here!

The Merseyside Derby is back to tear the city of Liverpool in two, with the region's sense of community set to be scrapped, as Everton host Liverpool.

It is the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Everton’s recent form directly opposing Liverpool’s rollercoaster of a season, setting the fixture up with a high level of unpredictability.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been subject to criticism this season, with some claiming the Dutchman has fallen short of expectations. In the week, the Reds were defeated in the Champions League quarter-final legs, losing 4-0 on aggregate against PSG.

Despite being crowned Premier League champions in Slot’s debut season, the 47-year-old is certainly under pressure, with anything less than Champions League qualification set to be deemed substandard.

The same can’t be said for the Reds’ neighbours, as David Moyes has revitalised Everton this season, with the Toffees currently sitting 8th in the table. The possibility of European football is on the cards, and tomorrow is another opportunity as it seems the dark horses for Europe are closing in on the dream.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's last-minute strike against Brentford last weekend forced the points to be shared at the Gtech Community Stadium in a fixture where both clubs are in contention for European places.

It certainly seems Everton are preparing themselves for a historic occasion at Hill Dickinson Stadium. In the week, the 1878s pre-kickoff tifo was leaked on social media. Despite frustration due to the sense of surprise being ruined, it looks impressive. There is also a planned coach welcome for the Everton coach, with more details posted on the 1878s Instagram.

Off the pitch, there is also some luck going in the Blues’ favour, as David Moyes has revealed there are no new injury concerns ahead of the fixture. The Glaswegian confirmed Charly Alcaraz is available for selection and Jack Grealish remains out.

Within Moyes' press conference, the 62-year-old showcased the squad's hunger, explaining that “over the years, if it’s having a last game of the season and avoiding relegation, then that’s nothing to celebrate, really... I hope they can enjoy this side of it (potential European qualification) rather than the side we’ve seen before (fear of relegation).”

Liverpool was hit with some disappointing injury news regarding Hugo Ekitike, following the midweek Champions League defeat.

Ekitike, who was stretchered off within the first half, is confirmed to have a ruptured Achilles tendon. The rehabilitation process is expected to take 9-12 months, but an exact timescale has not been revealed by Liverpool.

The 23-year-old is now expected to miss the World Cup, with French manager Didier Deschamps showcasing support for Ekitike, releasing a statement that read, ‘The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from… participating in the World Cup… Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it. But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff.”

Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez as well, who was brought on as a half-time substitute on Tuesday and was withdrawn 22 minutes later.

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Thank you for reading my pre-match article!