- Moyes ignores Liverpool’s injury crisis to focus on Everton’s European charge.
- The Blues boss hails Beto’s scoring form ahead of the historic derby clash.
- Everton aim for Champions League contention in the first Hill Dickinson derby.
Everton welcome Liverpool to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday for the first Merseyside derby at their new home.
The occasion carries extra weight, with David Moyes’ side level on points with Brentford and just five points off the Champions League places. Any result against their fierce rival neighbours would be a massive towards European football.
Liverpool arrive missing several key players. Alisson Becker is sidelined with a hamstring issue, Hugo Ekitike is out injured, and Wataru Endo ruptured an ankle ligament in February, ruling him out for the season.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable. The reigning champions are not at their best, but Moyes refuses to look at them; he is only looking at his own team.
Moyes: ‘I look at Everton’
Asked about Liverpool’s form in his pre‑match press conference, Moyes was characteristically focused. “I look at Everton,” he said. “I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to Liverpool and I can only focus on the Blues.”
On the squad’s growth since his return, Moyes reflected on the journey. “They have been through a lot together, largely before my time,” he said. “I want to add to the group and to continue progress.”
Team news and Beto’s form
Moyes confirmed that Charly Alcaraz is back in training, meaning Jack Grealish is the only long‑term absentee. He also singled out Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall for praise, noting that the headlines around Jack Grealish’s arrival took the spotlight off him, but that he has done very well and been brilliant.
On Beto, who has scored three goals in his last four appearances, Moyes was full of admiration. “I am pleased for him. He has a great attitude and works very hard. I hope Beto continues his form.”
Jordan Pickford, speaking ahead of the match, acknowledged Liverpool’s struggles but warned against complacency. “We’ve got a big game against Liverpool – the reigning champions. They’re obviously not having the best of seasons this season, but they’re still a threat. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
Memories of Goodison and the Hill Dickinson era
Moyes also reflected on the final derby at Goodison Park in February 2025, which ended 2‑2 with a late James Tarkowski equaliser. “It was amazing the last game at Goodison and I was privileged to be able to lead the team… leaving it in a good way was pleasing,” he said. “We’re now in the Hill Dicky and we are enjoying it.”
He admitted moving stadium has been challenging. “It is always difficult. We have had our ups and downs but have improved recently. I hope we can take the better form into the final three home games of the season.”
When asked about the importance of starting well, Moyes acknowledged it matters but added that finishing games well is just as crucial. With Everton having scored late equalisers at Brentford and Brighton this season, his point is well made.
Sunday’s derby is a chance for Everton to take a giant leap towards Europe, at a brand new stadium, against wounded champions.
Moyes is not looking at Liverpool. He is looking at his own team. And that might be exactly why Everton have a real chance.
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