Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 3 April 2026 12:47, UK

Everton have received an early boost for the Merseyside derby as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson looks set to miss out.

The Blues will be looking to enact revenge this season after falling to a 2-1 defeat back at the start of the season. The game kicks off at 2pm on 19 April.

Tides have since turned as their local rivals’ form has dramatically diminished, with Everton now pushing for Europe as well.

Not only will bragging rights be on the line, but depending on results, by the time that game comes along, the Toffees could go above Liverpool with a win.

The early boost will certainly provide more optimism for Everton’s clash against Liverpool and, most importantly, for their forwards.

Why Everton forward’s will be raring to go after Alisson’s injury update

The first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium is still a few weeks away, but that will not stop anyone looking ahead.

It is a new era for Everton, and they can make their new ground a real fortress against their city rivals.

Ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City, Arne Slot did provide some team news that will impact that upcoming clash on the Bramley-Moore Dock.

The Dutchman confirmed that Alisson will be out until “towards the end of the season”.

Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, so him missing the Merseyside derby was always going to be a boost.

But against Everton in particular, the Brazilian has often frustrated the Toffees’ attackers.

In 12 appearances in the Merseyside derby, the 33-year-old has kept seven clean sheets and averages just 0.66 goals conceded per game.

With number two Giorgi Mamardashvili set to compete in his first game against Everton, either Beto or Thierno Barry could make it a game to forget for him.

Everton can set up Merseyside derby stakes vs Brentford

The injury to Alisson is worth talking about, but for now let’s turn focus back to the upcoming fixture against Brentford.

With the two sides level on points, it is pretty much just as important of a game as the Merseyside derby.

The winner of that match would deal a brutal blow to the other contender, and with an Everton win, they would have European football well within their reach.

Additionally, a victory against the Bees would set the Toffees up with the possibility of overtaking Liverpool in the Premier League table. However, an Everton win against Brentford could be difficult.

Nonetheless, it could be a great few weeks for the Blues.