The Merseyside Derby is never merely a football match. It is a cultural, historical, and modern-day drama all rolled into ninety minutes of frenetic energy. On September 20th, 2025 (11.30 AM UTC), Anfield was once again set to host the Merseyside double in what will be the 247th edition of this game that defines generations. And this time, there’s plenty more than the three points at stake. Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, are unbeaten in the campaign to date, while Everton are on a new high with manager David Moyes at the helm and the star signing of Jack Grealish adding electricity to the blue half of Merseyside.

Liverpool rolls into Anfield not just unbeaten but simply unbothered. Four from four in the Premier League, capped off with a midweek Champions League knockabout against Atletico Madrid, finished by a Virgil van Dijk header in the 92nd minute to seal a 3-2 win. Proper captain’s stuff, epitomising a Liverpool team that simply will not accept anything less than maximum points. Under Arne Slot, the team has taken on another stride of energy, capable of playing with pressing intensity whilst having a fluid rhythm of attack. Florian Wirtz, the expensive German acquisition, although he has yet to provide his first contribution to a goal, his intuition and movement alone suggest it would be a matter of time. Behind him sat Mohamed Salah, who remains their brightest light, providing late winners, nuisance when fouled, and taking defenders into chaos.

In contrast, Everton is not the fragile team we have witnessed over the past couple of years. Moyes has built resilience, and his recruitment has been intelligent. Jack Grealish has already provided four assists in four draws on loan from Manchester City, reminding everyone that he was the most expensive player in Premier League history and Kiernan Dewsbury -Hall adds bite in the middle of the pitch, and James Garner's ability to adapt has led to him being a "game-changer". The Toffees find themselves sixth in the league table, with wins over Brighton and Wolves, so they have shown in recent weeks that they can cause teams damage. However, this is their first real test against a 'big six' side—and it doesn't get any bigger than Anfield, where Everton has only won once in the last 25 years. 

Slot’s Liverpool operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which thrives on pace, movement, and overloads. With Frimpong back at right back, the centre backs are the intimidating pair of Konaté and Van Dijk, and Robertson and Kerkez provide depth at left back. In midfield, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai provide balance, creativity, and aggressiveness. It’s a front three with Wirtz and Gakpo switching in their positions fluidly, Salah drifting in from the wing, and Isak or Ekitike acting as the cutting edge. This is a possession-dominant team, but they can also strike late to steal games, as their last-minute goals this season have showcased. 

Everton, on the other hand, favour a disciplined 4-2-3-1 system of their own, but the structure often varies and morphs into a compact defensive block. Tarkowski and Keane will have to hold firm against Liverpool’s onslaught of attacking pressure, while Garner may find himself in an unfamiliar left-back spot again due to Mykolenko’s injury. Grealish and Ndiaye will carry the creative load of feeding the striker, Beto, whose physicality would bring Everton a much-needed outlet in transition. Moyes would want his team to frustrate Liverpool, weather the storm, and spring quick transitions through the counterattack. The issue is Liverpool is averaging 2.6 goals in home matches this season, but Everton is averaging only 1.0 in away matches.

History favours Liverpool. In the past 20 derbies across all competitions, the Reds have won 11, drawn 7, and lost only 2. Their record at Anfield is even more favourable, winning their past four home meetings since Everton’s shock 2-0 win in February 2021, including three of the past four at Anfield finishing 2-0 Liverpool.

For bettors, this leads to some identifiable value markets:

The stats tell one story, but the Merseyside Derby always tells its own. The buildup is electric, the tackles fly, and both sides see their emotions heighten as the players cross the threshold of Stanley Park. Darren England, the booked referee, is almost certain to be carding players, and on average he has carded 3.6 players per game total this season, and in five out of five both teams have been carded, so now when you add in the derby context, that almost guarantees something happening. 

This presents terrific value for markets that like both teams to be carded. Everton's Dewsbury-Hall has already committed nine fouls in four starts; he is squared up to commit at least two more. You can be back on 7/4 when you have a backing of the form and a bloody history.

However, the rivalry represents more than just violence. There is also history. Salah has scored eight goals against Everton, and only Gerrard has more goals in Premier League derby history. For Everton, Grealish has the opportunity to write his name into folklore by performing in a derby that means more than any other. Football history is based on moments just like this, and those punters who understand the significance of narrative often find themselves in front of the game. 

It’s tough to look past the numbers, the form, and the storylines. Liverpool is top of the league with their perfect record and has history on their side. Everton are improved, yet they aren’t there yet to quiet Anfield. Expect an enthusiastic performance from Moyes’ men with Grealish being integral to everything good, but the quality isn’t the same.

• Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton. 

Salah scores, Wirtz is in the hole with the assist, and Isak introduces himself with a goal. The Reds march on with five wins from five, and Everton regroup and take lessons and a renewed spirit forward.

There is a lot more to derbies like these than watching them happen and there are opportunities. Opportunities to boast, for the tactical nerds out there, and opportunities to make a profit on the game we love. Liverpool vs. Everton, just like anything else, is as much about emotion as it is about expertise, and that also applies to betting and playing the casino.