Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 17 April 2026 12:40, UK

Everton are looking to keep their European dreams alive as they welcome rivals Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

The Toffees played out a 2-2 draw with Brentford last time out, keeping the two sides locked on points as they battle for a continental spot.

Goals from Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall would see David Moyes‘ side come from a goal down twice, after a brace from Igor Thiago.

Sitting eighth in the standings, they host Merseyside rivals Liverpool for the first time at their new stomping ground.

Heading into Sunday’s derby, Opta’s supercomputer has made the prediction that a big statement is on the cards for the Blues.

Everton are most likely winners vs Liverpool

Last season, Everton secured a big result on home soil against the Reds, with James Tarkowski rattling in a late equaliser, sending Goodison Park into raptures in the final derby at the iconic venue.

This season, they would fall to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield in the reverse fixture, and will be looking to avenge that result on Sunday.

Before the international break, the Blues finally ended their run without successive wins at their new stadium, with a 3-0 triumph against Chelsea following a 2-0 win against Burnley.

And with this in mind, Opta’s supercomputer has made the prediction that Moyes and his men are about to extend that run to three in a row.

Having not lost to Liverpool on home soil since 2022, the verdict is that Everton are set to get the perfect derby start at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while making a huge statement regarding their European ambitions.

Everton have a base to build on after a fantastic season

At the start of the campaign, Blues fans would have snapped your hand off for a relatively simple and stress-free mid-table finish.

After a turbulent period battling at the wrong end of the division, a term without relegation worry would have provided a complete reset after making their long awaited stadium move last summer.

Instead, the Toffees are now aiming for their first European adventure in almost a decade, indicative of just how good a job Moyes has done since rejoining the club.

With European football potentially on the cards, Everton have the opportunity to keep building, with rewards coming in the form of finance and stature.

A big win on Sunday would set them up for a strong end to what has been a fantastic season, while showcasing the ability to compete against the established elite in the Premier League.

Moving forward, the Toffees could well be set for further progression that sees them compete higher up the standings on a consistent basis, and a positive run from here to the end would get the ball rolling quickly.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.