Pundits claim Liverpool are now ‘underdogs’ for Merseyside derby
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has claimed that Liverpool could be underdogs for this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton after the Reds were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot’s men have six games left of the domestic season and the first one comes this weekend in a Merseyside derby, though Fowler and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney think that the champions could be “underdogs” heading into that game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“Obviously the form in the last month, I know the Galatasaray [win was] a great result but I don’t think Galatasaray are great, so they’ve been turned over by Brighton, beat by Man City. I think Liverpool go into this game as probably underdogs,” said Fowler on Amazon Prime Video after the full-time whistle at Anfield.
“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve spoke to so of many friends who are Liverpool fans and they’re a little bit worried about the Merseyside derby,” explained Rooney.
“We’ve seen this Liverpool team all season not give as much as they can, I believe. And I think this derby game has come at the wrong time for Liverpool,” he added.
(PA)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:47
Could Beto be the danger man for Everton against Liverpool?
Beto is in fine form for the Toffees, with a surge of goals in 2026.
After a lean period to start the season, scoring just once in 19 games, the Brazilian has six goals in 13 games in 2026.
He’s now at an impressive 83 minutes per goal, up from 782 from August to December 2025.
(PA)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:35
Everton on the rise under Moyes
David Moyes is quickly building momentum in his second reign at Everton.
A win today in the Merseyside derby against bitter rivals Liverpool could elevate them yet further.
Since he rejoined the club, Everton are seventh from 51 games played, and only have three points less than Chelsea, who are fifth in that time.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:20
Everton v Liverpool latest odds
(AFP/Getty)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:05
Everton v Liverpool predicted line-ups
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ngumoha
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:55
Liverpool’s rebuild project is now clear – here’s how it might look under Arne Slot
Arne Slot may have two audiences to convince, but his message has been consistent this week. Liverpool’s future will be brighter, he said in the aftermath of their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Which, some would say, it has to be; they do not want another season like this. And certainly not if the current campaign, which is certain to finish without silverware, ends without securing Champions League football for next year.
But if, of the two groups of people Slot needs to persuade that he can oversee that improvement, owners Fenway Sports Group and their representatives at Anfield, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, may be more receptive than a sceptical fanbase. Slot accepts that they will need to glimpse the evidence to support his optimism. “I think people only start to believe when they are seeing it,” Slot said. “That’s what we need to do after the summer, but we are mainly focused here on the upcoming six games because that could also impact our plans for the summer at this club.”
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:45
David Moyes keen for Everton to show new power of Hill Dickinson Stadium against Liverpool
“So many derby matches are played up and down the country and many of them are famous for their rivalry – but the Merseyside derby match is right up there with any which is played in the United Kingdom.
“I was brought up in a city where the rivalry is intense. It’s just as fierce here as it is in Glasgow and it’s an honour to be the manager of one of the teams in this fixture.
“There has always been a closeness between the two clubs in this city and we have huge respect for our rivals. But over the years we have enjoyed some successes against them and we hope we can add to them today.
“Derbies don’t need bigging up and today gives us the opportunity to show off the power of Hill Dickinson Stadium again.”
(Reuters)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:35
Arne Slot hopes contentious Liverpool transfer decision helps in battle to qualify for Champions League
Arne Slot hopes Liverpool’s contentious decision to sign two No 9s will prove smart in the battle to finish inside the top five and secure Champions League football next season.
“It’s a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.
“Now we thought maybe it’s a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that’s why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:25
Everton are still without Jack Grealish but David Moyes has no new fitness concerns following the 2-2 draw at Brentford last weekend.
Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the season while Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak is still unable to play 90 minutes after his own injury lay-off. Mohamed Salah and Rio Ngumoha could return. Joe Gomez is unavailable and Alisson Becker remains out.
(Reuters)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:13
Who will start in place of Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool?
Arne Slot is set to make a major call for Liverpool with Hugo Ekitike’s replacement in the derby.
After a season-ending Achilles injury, Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.
Slot discussed the strategy of spending a total that could rise to beyond £200m on two No 9s, and how that could protect the Reds in the run-in without Ekitike now as they bid to hold onto a Champions League place for next term.
“It’s a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.
“Now we thought maybe it’s a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that’s why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.
“Now people are questioning if we should sign another No 9. He was talking about five, six, seven or eight [signings this summer]. Somebody said the day after [Ekitike’s season-ending injury against PSG], you can’t write the script, on the day after Alex is back, his first start, the other one leaves with a long injury.”
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 10:04