The Merseyside derby is the historic football rivalry between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, two of England’s most successful clubs located just under a mile apart. As of March 2026, the most recent Premier League encounter took place on September 20, 2025, at Anfield, where Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike. The rivalry is famously known as the “Friendly Derby” due to the proximity of the clubs and many families containing both Red and Blue supporters. Currently, both teams are competing in the top half of the Premier League, with the next high-stakes meeting scheduled for April 19, 2026, at Everton’s new waterfront home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The History of the Merseyside Derby
The rivalry dates back to 1894 and is the longest-running top-flight derby in England. Unlike many other cross-city rivalries, the division between Liverpool and Everton fans is rarely based on geography, religion, or politics, but rather on familial tradition.
Origins of the Split
Everton was the original tenant of Anfield before a rent dispute in 1892 led the club to move to Goodison Park. Liverpool FC was subsequently formed to play at the vacated Anfield stadium, sparking a century of competition for dominance in the city.
The “Friendly Derby” Tag
During the 1980s, the rivalry earned its “friendly” reputation as fans often sat together during major finals at Wembley. While the intensity on the pitch remains fierce—the fixture holds the record for the most red cards in Premier League history—the bond between the supporters remains a unique aspect of English football culture.
2025–26 Season Analysis
The current season has been a landmark year for both clubs, marked by managerial transitions and the inauguration of a world-class sporting venue.
Liverpool’s Strategic Evolution
Under the leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool has maintained its position at the top of the table, currently sitting in 5th place with 48 points. The recruitment of young stars like Hugo Ekitike has added a clinical edge to the attack, helping the Reds maintain their perfect home record against their local rivals.
Everton’s Waterfront Era
Everton moved into the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in August 2025. This move has revitalized the club’s commercial standing and atmosphere, with David Moyes steering the team to 8th place (43 points) as they push for a European qualification spot in the final months of the season.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The statistical history of the derby leans in favor of the Reds, though the Toffees have historically been incredibly difficult to beat on their own turf.
| Statistic | Liverpool | Everton |
| Total Wins | 101 | 68 |
| Total Draws | 78 | 78 |
| Largest Victory | 6-0 (1935) | 5-0 (1909) |
| All-Time Scorer | Ian Rush (25) | Dixie Dean (19) |
As of March 2026, the teams have met 247 times in competitive matches. Liverpool’s 2-1 win in September 2025 was their 101st victory in the fixture, further extending their lead in the all-time series.
Rivalry Origins
The Merseyside Derby began in 1892 after Everton’s board clashed with Anfield owner John Houlding over rising rent, leading Everton to relocate to Goodison Park and Houlding to found Liverpool FC. Their first competitive meeting came on October 13, 1894, in the Lancashire League, where Everton won 3-0 at Anfield, setting a tone of early Everton dominance before Liverpool surged ahead. This split wasn’t just business; it divided Liverpool’s working-class communities, with Protestant areas leaning Everton and Catholic ones favoring Liverpool, embedding geographic and social tensions.
Over decades, the fixture evolved from friendly local bouts to a symbol of city pride. By the early 1900s, both clubs rose in the Football League, clashing regularly in top-flight matches that drew massive crowds. The rivalry’s intensity grew with shared fanbases initially, but loyalty solidified as successes mounted—Everton with five pre-WWII titles, Liverpool building under Shankly.
First Meetings
Liverpool and Everton’s inaugural clash occurred on September 13, 1894, with Liverpool thrashing Everton 7-1 in a Lancashire League friendly, though official records cite the October league game as Everton’s 3-0 revenge. These early games at Anfield featured raw passion, with attendances swelling as word spread of the “new” club’s grit against the established Blues. By 1897, both competed in the Second Division, promoting intense promotion battles.
Details from that era highlight primitive pitches and huge gates; the 1894 match drew 5,000 fans despite no floodlights. Everton won the first league derby 3-0 on October 27, 1894, at Anfield, with goals from Geary, Latta, and Chadwick. Liverpool responded fiercely, leveling head-to-head early.
Deeper context reveals shared roots: many players switched sides pre-rivalry solidification. This fluidity fueled early fire, transitioning to outright hostility by the 1920s as both vied for First Division spots.
Head-to-Head Stats
Across 250+ competitive meetings, Liverpool leads with 99 wins to Everton’s 68, plus 77 draws, averaging 2.8 goals per game. In the Premier League era (since 1992), Liverpool holds 25 wins to Everton’s 7, with 14 draws, showcasing Reds’ modern supremacy. All-time at Anfield, Liverpool boasts 50 victories; Goodison sees tighter contests with Everton at 25 wins.
Breaking it down, Liverpool dominates cups: 13 wins in FA Cup ties, Everton 5. Recent form favors Liverpool, unbeaten in 20 of the last 25 derbies as of 2026. Goal tallies show Liverpool’s 340 to Everton’s 260 overall.
These stats reflect eras—Everton led until 1962, then Liverpool’s dynasty flipped it. Current trends: Liverpool scores first in 60% of recent derbies.
1970s-1980s Dominance
Liverpool ruled the 1970s-80s, winning 15 derbies while Everton managed 5, coinciding with 11 league titles for the Reds. Bill Shankly’s passion ignited Anfield, beating Everton 2-0 in 1971 amid “This Means More” chants. Howard Kendall’s Everton struck back with 1984 league glory, including a 1-0 Goodison win.
Key fixture: 1984 Charity Shield ended 6-1 to Everton at Wembley, their biggest derby win. Liverpool responded with 1986 double dominance. This period saw 20+ meetings, averaging 3 goals, with stars like Dalglish and Lineker clashing.
The era defined modern intensity; tragedies like Heysel (1985) paused games, but rivalry endured, boosting both clubs’ global profiles.
1990s Shifts
Everton enjoyed a brief 1990s resurgence, winning three straight derbies from 1994-96, including 2-0 at Anfield in 1994. Liverpool struggled post-Souness, drawing criticism, but reclaimed form with 4-1 Goodison thrills. Duncan Ferguson’s headers symbolized Blues’ grit.
By mid-90s, Liverpool led again, but no titles frustrated fans. 1999 saw 1-1 draws, highlighting parity. Total decade: Liverpool 8 wins, Everton 6.
Context: Both navigated Premier League inception, with Everton’s 1994 survival scrap adding edge to derby heroics.
2000s Key Matches
Michael Owen’s 2001 hat-trick gifted Liverpool 3-2 comeback at Goodison, key to Champions League qualification. 2004’s 2-2 Anfield thriller featured Hyypia’s header equalizer. Everton’s 2007 2-0 shutout under Moyes signaled revival.
Liverpool hit back with 2008 1-0 via Kuyt. Decade stats: Liverpool 10 wins, Everton 4. Torres and Yakubu duels lit up games. These fixtures often decided Europe spots; 2006 FA Cup semi went to penalties, Liverpool advancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Liverpool vs. Everton match?
Liverpool won the most recent derby 2-1 on September 20, 2025, with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.
Is Alexander Isak playing in the next derby?
Isak is currently recovering from a broken leg; while he is targeted for a mid-April return, his availability for the April 19 clash remains uncertain.
Who is Everton’s top creative player this season?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish have been the primary playmakers, though Grealish is currently sidelined with a foot injury.
Are there any suspended players for the next match?
Currently, there are no high-profile suspensions, but several players are close to yellow card thresholds heading into the spring fixtures.
How can I watch the Merseyside derby highlights?
Highlights are broadcast on BBC’s Match of the Day (MOT) on Saturday nights, with digital clips available on the Sky Sports and TNT Sports apps.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of the Merseyside derby in 2026 reflects a significant shift in the balance of power within the city. While Liverpool continues to chase elite European qualification under the tactical evolution of Arne Slot, Everton has transformed into a resilient top-half contender under David Moyes, currently sitting in 8th place with 43 points. The most recent 2-1 victory for Liverpool in September 2025 underscored the clinical nature of the Reds’ new-look attack, particularly through Hugo Ekitike, but it also highlighted an Everton side that is no longer easily intimidated at Anfield.
As both teams prepare for the high-stakes rematch on April 19, 2026, the narrative is dominated by a grueling injury crisis affecting both squads. With superstars like Alexander Isak and Jack Grealish fighting to return from long-term layoffs, the depth of both rosters will be tested at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This upcoming clash is not just about local bragging rights; it is a pivotal battle for European spots that could define the success of the 2025–2026 season for both the Red and Blue halves of Liverpool.
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