Everton
Liverpool vs Everton: 3 key battles that could decide the outcome of this fiery derby
Liverpool vs Everton Prediction: 3 key battles to look out for
The Merseyside derby is considered as one of the marquee fixtures in the Premier League. Also one of the dirtiest fixtures, this upcoming derby already looks like a one-sided fixture with a lot of difference between Liverpool and Everton.
Though Liverpool have not lost for quite a while, they don’t seem to have that swagger which helped them conquer Europe last term. They have managed to narrowly win games for the majority of this season.
However, this fixture would be more than just a derby for Marco Silva. He has come under the microscope after a string of poor results, which sees Everton just one place above the relegation zone. With just 4 wins in the League, this match could decide the Portuguese’s fate with the club.
Liverpool come into this game on the back of a narrow 2-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, while Everton lost to the Foxes in the same manner. Despite taking the lead, Marco Silva’s men had no answer to Leicester’s array of attacks and eventually fell back by a last-minute Kelechi Iheanacho goal.
So a blockbuster derby could be expected in the midweek when these two sides meet. In such games, individual performances mostly decide the outcome. Let’s take a look at three key battles that would be interesting.
Three Key Battles- Liverpool vs Everton
The Midfield Battle – Georginio Wijnaldum vs Tom Davies
It is a well-known fact that a team which dominates in the middle of the park eventually goes on to win the game. And Liverpool have been a perfect example of this in recent times. Wijnaldum has been consistent so far and has started in all of Liverpool’s games so far.
With 1 assist to his name, the Dutch international been a revelation in Liverpool’s recent successes. He has been putting in the hard work up and down the pitch for Klopp to ensure they come out with a win.
On the other hand, Tom Davies has started the last four games for Everton. Against Leicester, he was brilliant alongside Gylfi Sigurdsson. An upcoming talent, Davies would look to engineer his team to at least bag a single point from the game.
Mane, Firmino and Salah against Everton’s shaky defence
Liverpool’s front three are known to be one of the best trios in Europe. The pace of Mane and Salah on either wing along with the brilliance of Firmino’s mind and feet have wreaked havoc against almost every team they faced last year.
On the other hand, Everton’s defence of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate looked to hold the penetrating Leicester with much command last weekend. But eventually, they were breached in the last minute of the game.
The Toffees have already conceded 22 in the league so far. Their defence would be key to resist the unstoppable force of Liverpool and if they manage to do so, it would be a huge relief for Marco Silva.
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Richarlison vs Dejan Lovern and Trent Alexander-Arnold
While Lovern seems to be a weak link in the Reds’ defensive unit, Alexander-Arnold has been vital in a way to Liverpool’s attack. Richarlison, who plays on the left side for Everton, has been their top scorer with 4 goals, with the most recent one coming against Leicester City.
The Brazilian would be looking to add more to his name on Wednesday and to do this, he has to breach Liverpool’s right side of defence – Lovern and Alexander-Arnold.
Everton
Everton WFC Sack Manager After Three and Half Years as Scott Phelan Named Interim Boss for Remainder of Season
Everton Women have parted company with manager Brian Sorensen with immediate effect after more than three and a half years in charge.
The Danish boss departs alongside assistant coaches Stephen Neligan and Ashley Tootle following a disastrous start to the season that saw the Toffees win just one of their opening 14 WSL matches.
Everton Under 18s coach Scott Phelan will take charge of the women’s team for the remainder of the season as interim head coach, with the 37 year old former Everton academy graduate assisted by Jennifer Foster and goalkeeping coach Ian McCaldon.
Terrible Home Record Proves Decisive
The decision to sack Sorensen comes despite Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Goodison Park, which was secured thanks to a late Martina Fernandez winner. However, that result represented Everton’s first league win of the season after a shocking run of six straight home defeats to start the campaign.
Five of those losses came at their new home Goodison Park following the men’s first team’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer. This frankly unacceptable home record made Sorensen’s position untenable regardless of the Villa win.
Phelan Faces Huge Challenge
Everton CEO Angus Kinnear thanked the departing coaching staff but admitted a change was necessary. “Sunday’s first win of the season at Goodison Park was important, but it has become evident that a change of direction is necessary to ensure the progression on the pitch we are all striving for.”
The Toffees currently sit ninth in the WSL table, just four points above bottom placed Liverpool. Phelan’s first match in temporary charge takes place this Sunday when Everton travel to London City Lionesses, where new signing Zara Kramžar could make her debut.
Also read: Hannah Forshaw to Step Down as Everton Women CEO After Just One Season
Everton
Everton WFC Sign Slovenian Midfielder on Deadline Day as 20-Year-Old Becomes First Player From Her Nation to Play in WSL
Everton completed a deadline day signing of Slovenian midfielder Zara Kramžar, with the 20 year old set to make history as the first player from her nation to feature in the Women’s Super League. The Toffees secured their new star late in the transfer window during what proved to be a chaotic period for the club.
Kramžar joins from Italian side Roma, where she spent the past two years after breaking through in her home country. The midfielder became the first player born in 2006 to play in Serie A and won back to back titles with Roma before being loaned to Como for experience.
Young Star Targets WSL Success
“I feel so excited. I think we all worked a lot for this. I am happy to be here and start my journey,” Kramžar explained after completing the move. “It is nice to be the first Slovenian in the WSL. I am excited to show on the pitch what I can do now.”
The midfielder also revealed her long held ambition to play in England. “I enjoyed playing in Italy but I’ve always wanted to go to England, I think it is the best league in the world. I am excited to see the level here.”
Arrives During Chaotic Period at Everton
Kramžar’s signing came during an extremely turbulent time for the Toffees. Brian Sorensen was in charge when she signed, but just hours after her arrival in Merseyside, the Danish manager was sacked following poor results.
Scott Phelan has been announced as interim manager for the remainder of the season, meaning Kramžar will play under a different boss than the one who brought her to the club. This is hardly ideal for a young player moving to a new league, but the 20 year old will be determined to make an immediate impact.
Everton face London City Lionesses this weekend, where Kramžar could potentially make her debut and WSL history.
Everton Women host Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday evening as Brian Sørensen’s side look to climb out of the relegation zone. The Toffees sit 10th in the WSL table with 11 points from 13 matches, just four points above bottom placed Liverpool with only one team facing relegation this season.
Brighton arrive at Walton Hall Park sitting ninth with 11 points from their campaign, making this a crucial six pointer for both sides desperate to move away from danger. Interim manager Chris Roberts has steadied the ship since Dario Vidošić’s absence, but the Seagulls remain perilously close to the drop zone.
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT, Friday, January 24, 2026
Venue: Walton Hall Park, Liverpool
TV: TBC
Sørensen Welcomes Key Returns
Everton have encouraging injury news with several players returning to the squad. However, they will be without veteran striker Toni Duggan while Heather Payne faces a late fitness test after reporting back from international duty with an Achilles problem. Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey has suffered another setback by twisting her ankle in training this week.
Sørensen signed a new contract extension recently and desperately needs results to justify the club’s faith. The Toffees have struggled for consistency this season and cannot afford to drop points against direct rivals.
Brighton Dangerous Despite Defensive Issues
Brighton welcome back veteran defender Maria Thorisdottir and striker Pauline Bremer but will be without midfielder Vicky Losada due to suspension. The Seagulls have just one clean sheet in 18 league games this season, with only relegated sides conceding more. This represents a golden opportunity for Everton.
Predicted Lineups:
Everton (4-2-3-1): Brosnan; Vanhaevermaet, Wheeler, Payne, Finnigan; Clare, Hayashi; Thomas, Gago, Bissell; Vignola
Brighton (4-3-3): Walsh; Pattinson, Thorisdottir, Pattinson, Bergsvand; Losada, Kullberg, Aparicio; Bremer, Terland, Caeiro
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