Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite with Liverpool inset
Wed 17 September 2025 10:10, UK
David Moyes will hope to win at Anfield for the first time when Everton take on Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool are massive favourites against Everton, but the Scot will be hopeful amid a strong start to the season.
The Toffees are unbeaten in four games across all competitions, and may well have made it four wins from four last weekend.
Everton drew 0-0 with Aston Villa but dominated the chances, with Michael Keane going closest when Emiliano Martinez saved his powerful header.
Darren England will take charge of the Merseyside derby, with Moyes having previously applauded the referee for a decision he made when the Toffees beat Fulham in May.
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Jarrad Branthwaite could finally return in what would be a huge boost.
David Moyes welcomes back defenders for Liverpool vs Everton
Moyes said Branthwaite was “not quite there yet” before Everton took on Villa on Saturday, but the defender could now be set to return after another week.
Keane was voted player of the match for his performance against the Villans, and has started every Premier League game so far this season for Moyes.
Michael Keane Vs Aston Villa (H)
Minutes played 90
Big chances 2
Clearances 4
Duels won 5
Recoveries 3
But Branthwaite’s pace and quality will be needed against a star-studded Liverpool front line, with the England international expected to reclaim his place if he is fit to start.
Moyes also confirmed that Vitalii Mykolenko was close to returning for the Villa game, but the Ukraine international was ultimately left out.
The 26-year-old is expected to return for the trip to Anfield, however, and will face up against key man Mohamed Salah.
That will allow James Garner to move forward and partner Idrissa Gueye in his favoured midfield role.
Everton’s predicted line-up to face Liverpool in the Premier League
Beto set to continue up front for Everton vs Liverpool
Beto missed several chances against Villa and was roundly criticised for his efforts.
But the striker scored against Liverpool at Goodison Park last season, and remains the better option when compared to new arrival Thierno Barry.
The Frenchman was signed from Villarreal this summer in a deal worth around £27million, but has yet to find his feet in the Premier League.
Beto has scored twice this season, against Wolves and Mansfield Town.
Thierno Barry is yet to score for Everton.
At Anfield, Everton will likely rely on both their counter-attacks and their ability to put dangerous balls into the box, with Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye key to that.
With the Toffees’ front man set to be faced with the defensive force of Virgil van Dijk, Beto currently remains the natural choice for Moyes.
