The Hill Dickinson Stadium will host its first Merseyside derby this afternoon as Everton look to continue their impressive form and Liverpool aim to return to winning ways
07:00, 19 Apr 2026Updated 10:00, 19 Apr 2026
Florian Wirtz is challenged by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall during the Anfield Merseyside derby earlier this season(Image: (Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images))
Garreth Barry believes Everton should be full of confidence they can claim a historic Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool. This afternoon’s 213th top-flight meeting between the clubs today is a historic one, as it is the first time the two sides have met at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool’s sole focus is now on securing Champions League football before a summer that will bring more squad upheaval following the confirmed exits of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. While victory for David Moye’s side against their local rivals would see them climb to two points ahead of the Reds in the race for Champions League football next season.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 28 home games against their local-rivals, but Barry believes there is no reason his old side can’t claim all three points this afternoon.
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“If you look at previous years, there haven’t been too many games where both clubs are in different sort of form,” the former England international, speaking via BetMGM, told the ECHO.
“Liverpool are struggling, while Everton have literally nothing to lose; they are playing some good football and have had some good results at home.
“I don’t see why Everton can’t go into the game really confident that they can beat Liverpool and it would be great to see a derby victory on the Everton side.
“There haven’t been too many wins for Everton over the Premier League years, but this one they are in a good spot compared to Liverpool, who are out of shape.”
Arne Slot and David Moyes(Image: (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Barry was signed by Roberto Martinez in 2013 and made the move permanent at the end of that season, quickly becoming a respected figure among the fanbase.
The former England international went on to make 155 appearances for the Blues, playing in eight derby matches.
Merseyside derbies have seen more red cards than any other fixture in Premier League history, and Barry said: “They are so fierce. The stats took for themselves when you look at the amount of yellow cards and red cards given out, that is the type of games it is.
“They are just so intense. Even in the build-up you can feel the anxiety in the fans before you even kick a ball.
Gareth Barry up against Sadio Mane during a Merseyside derby match at Goodison Park back in 2016(Image: (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images))
“Everyone is just desperate to win. All derby games are fiery, but I think when you look at the stats, it sums up how the game is. It is really intense and great to play as a player.
“Although I have more bad memories of them because we were in that period where the Blues couldn’t get a win.
“But my first one was an amazing game at Goodison. (Romelu) Lukaku scored twice, and we were 3-2 up with no long to go, and then Sturridge came on and scored a late equaliser.
“But the game was absolutely incredible. We went behind and then ahead, and unfortunately on the day it was a draw, but it was a fantastic game to play in.”
“That is an unbelievable memory for myself – that game and probably that season at Everton as well.”
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