Merseyside on a knife-edge: Derby team news, injuries and what to expect at Hill Dickinson

Set your watches, Merseyside — the first derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium lands on Sunday, and there’s proper jeopardy riding on it. Both Everton and Liverpool are in the hunt for Champions League places, the Toffees trimming the gap after three wins in five, the Reds steadying themselves in the league after beating Fulham 2-0 but stung by a midweek European exit to PSG.

Everton team news: Alcaraz lifts the mood, Grealish still sidelined

David Moyes has reason to grin: Charly Alcaraz has rejoined first-team training and could feature in some capacity if the derby tempo allows. It’s a timely nudge for a side that looks far more front-foot of late. The big absentee remains Jack Grealish — the on-loan forward’s broken foot means his season is effectively parked until June.

Moyes, never shy of a challenge, suggested the squad is as close to full tilt as it’s been in months and urged his players to relish chasing Europe rather than merely surviving. The message is clear: this Everton are aiming up, not clinging on.

Liverpool team news: Ekitike’s Achilles rupture reshapes the attack

For Arne Slot, it’s a brutal blow. Hugo Ekitike faces around nine months out with a ruptured Achilles — season over and World Cup hopes shelved. He hasn’t undergone surgery yet, but the manager backed the youngster to come back stronger in the long run. Elsewhere, it’s a crowded treatment room: Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are long-term knee cases, Wataru Endo is nursing an ankle issue, and Alisson Becker along with Joe Gomez are both sidelined until early May.

Slot confirmed Gomez won’t make it here and, with Ekitike unavailable, he hinted at mixing the forward options. Cody Gakpo looked sharp off the bench against PSG, while there’s scope to repurpose others — with Federico Chiesa flagged as one who can operate through the middle. There was also a nod to “Alex” edging back, albeit not yet primed for a full-throttle 90 depending on the game state.

What it means for the XIs

Official line-ups will drop closer to kick-off, but the clues are there. Everton’s near-clean bill could see Moyes keep faith with the recent core and sprinkle Alcaraz minutes if the rhythm suits. Liverpool’s shape likely flexes around the No 9 role: Gakpo is the plug-and-play option, with Chiesa a tactical wildcard if Slot wants inside-forward movement rather than a fixed focal point. With Alisson out, the gloves stay with the deputy; at the back, injuries may force minimal rotation until bodies return.

Pundit’s view: Fire, needle and fine margins

Derbies are about nerve as much as nuance. Everton bring momentum and a manager who’s reminded them that Europe is a target, not a daydream. Liverpool, dented by PSG but drilled under Slot, will fancy their chances if they control the transitions and quieten the home crowd early. The battle zones? Midfield second balls and how clinical Liverpool are without Ekitike. If Everton can turn their recent form into sustained pressure, this ground could start to believe in something bigger than bragging rights.

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Injuries and return timelines at a glance

Everton: Charly Alcaraz (hamstring; targeting 19/04/2026 involvement), Jack Grealish (foot; out until 01/06/2026). Liverpool: Hugo Ekitike (Achilles; approx. 12/10/2026), Conor Bradley (knee; 21/11/2026), Giovanni Leoni (knee; 03/08/2026), Wataru Endo (ankle; 01/06/2026), Alisson Becker (out until 03/05/2026), Joe Gomez (muscle; out until 03/05/2026).

Bottom line: the blue half sense opportunity, the red half must improvise up top. Strap in — this one could turn on a single moment of composure.