Everton and Liverpool will face off in a Premier League clash this evening, with David Moyes aiming to use his team’s current three-match winning streak to deal a significant blow to Liverpool’s title challenge.
Despite suffering a loss to Bournemouth in the FA Cup last weekend, Everton have shown renewed form since the dismissal of Sean Dyche. Under Moyes, they secured impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspur (with the 3-2 scoreline not truly reflecting the dominance of the performance) and Leicester City at Goodison Park, alongside a narrow win against Brighton on the road.
However, Moyes will now face the toughest test of his second spell at Everton, as Arne Slot’s Liverpool stand firm at the top of the Premier League. A win tonight would extend their lead at the summit to nine points.
This Merseyside derby was originally scheduled for December but had to be postponed due to the fierce winds of Storm Darragh. Everton are safely clear of the relegation zone, but a victory could propel them into mid-table discussions.
The challenge will be a formidable one. Liverpool remain unbeaten on the road in the Premier League this season and possess one of the most well-rounded and talented squads in Europe. To make matters harder for Everton, they are currently dealing with several injury setbacks.
Everton Team News
Heading into the derby, Everton are missing a number of key players, particularly in attack. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti, and Dwight McNeil are all sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, Orel Mangala’s season came to an end after he picked up a knee injury during the Brighton match at the end of January. Mangala’s absence is somewhat offset by the recent signing of Charly Alcaraz, who impressed on his debut last weekend.
In defense, Everton are also dealing with injuries. Seamus Coleman remains unavailable, and Vitalii Mykolenko is a doubt, which may force Moyes to play 39-year-old Ashley Young at left-back. This is complicated further by Nathan Patterson’s hamstring injury, leaving the team thin in defense.
Given these circumstances, Everton will need to focus on absorbing pressure and counter-attacking effectively. Fortunately, they have a key player capable of causing Liverpool serious problems, one who could have a major impact on the match—Illiman Ndiaye.
Ndiaye: Everton’s New Weapon to Hurt Liverpool
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently described Illiman Ndiaye as “dynamite,” praising his pace and ability to create problems for defenders down the wings.
While Ndiaye was a bright spark under Dyche, he has elevated his performances under Moyes, scoring in each of Everton’s last three Premier League wins. The 24-year-old is not just a goal-scorer; he’s also a versatile forward, averaging 2.5 dribbles and 6.3 successful duels per game, according to Sofascore, making him well-suited to take on Liverpool’s defense.
With his explosive pace and ability to torment defenders, Ndiaye could be Everton’s weapon in this derby, reminiscent of Andy Johnson’s role in past Merseyside derbies.
In August 2006, Moyes brought Johnson to Everton for a club-record £8.5 million from Crystal Palace. Johnson’s standout moment came in the 2006/07 season when he scored twice in a 3-0 win over Liverpool, including a memorable brace that included a calm finish after a Jamie Carragher mistake.
Though Ndiaye is more of a winger than Johnson was, his speed and directness bear a strong resemblance to Johnson’s style. Ndiaye is in the top 8% of Premier League players for successful take-ons per 90 minutes this season (per FBref), and his ability to make a difference on the counter could give Liverpool serious headaches.
With Alcaraz likely to make his first Premier League start for Everton, the Argentine midfielder could provide a crucial link between defense and attack. He showed against Bournemouth that he is capable of dictating play from deeper positions, but his energy and tenacity could be vital in unsettling Liverpool’s defense, especially when combined with Ndiaye’s pace.
Alcaraz, hailed as “one of the biggest talents” to emerge from Argentina in recent years by scout Jacek Kulig, brings a fresh dimension to Everton’s midfield. His ability to unlock space for Ndiaye could be the key to a memorable night for Everton, ensuring that Liverpool doesn’t leave Goodison Park with all three points.
While Liverpool are undoubtedly a formidable opponent, they are not invincible. This season, they have shown vulnerability against well-organized and resilient sides. Moyes has the tools to make this a historic evening for Everton, and with attacking players like Ndiaye and Alcaraz, the hosts could make it a difficult challenge for their fierce rivals.
Imagine him & Alcaraz: Moyes must unleash Everton’s next Andy Johnson in the tie vs Liverpool
