Arne Slot has named his starting lineup for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, opting to include three Netherlands internationals in his XI while Benfica full-back Jeremie Frimpong begins the match on the bench. The Merseyside derby, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Local time (11:30 UTC) on Saturday, April 5, 2025, carries significant implications for both teams’ European qualification hopes as Liverpool aim to consolidate their position in the top four while Everton fight to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The Dutch contingent in Slot’s starting XI comprises goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, center-back Virgil van Dijk, and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. Bijlow, who has earned 12 caps for the Netherlands, retains his place between the posts despite recent competition from Caoimhín Kelleher. Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain and 72-time Netherlands international, anchors the defense alongside Ibrahima Konaté. Gravenberch, with 23 Oranje appearances to his name, starts in central midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, providing defensive cover and ball progression in Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Frimpong, the 23-year-old right-back who joined Liverpool from Benfica in January for a reported £25 million, is notably absent from the starting lineup despite his impressive adaptation to English football. The former Feyenoord academy product, who has earned three senior caps for the Netherlands since his international debut in March 2024, will seem to make an impact from the bench if called upon. His exclusion continues a pattern of limited starting opportunities since his arrival, having featured in just five of Liverpool’s 12 Premier League matches since the winter transfer window closed.
The selection raises questions about Slot’s tactical priorities for the high-intensity derby. With Trent Alexander-Arnold suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards, Slot has opted to deploy Conor Bradley at right-back instead of Frimpong. Bradley, the 21-year-old Northern Ireland international, has started the last three league matches in Alexander-Arnold’s absence and has impressed with his defensive discipline and energetic forays down the flank. Slot appears to be prioritizing Bradley’s familiarity with Liverpool’s high-pressing system over Frimpong’s attacking threat, particularly given Everton’s propensity to commit numbers forward in derby matches.
Everton, under manager Sean Dyche, have named a lineup that includes experienced England international Jordan Pickford in goal and veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who has earned 82 caps for Senegal. The Toffees, currently sitting in 16th place with 34 points from 30 matches, enter the derby knowing a win would move them to 37 points and potentially create a six-point buffer over the relegation zone with eight games remaining. Liverpool, meanwhile, sit third with 63 points from 30 matches, four points ahead of fifth-place Chelsea and six behind second-place Arsenal.
The historical context adds further weight to the encounter. Liverpool have won 12 of the last 18 Merseyside derbies in all competitions, though Everton claimed a memorable 2-0 victory at Goodison Park in February 2024, their first league win over their rivals since 2021. The fixture has averaged 2.8 goals per game over the last five meetings, with both teams scoring in four of those encounters, suggesting an open and entertaining contest is likely despite the high stakes.
Injury updates ahead of the match show Liverpool will be without injured forwards Diogo Jota (hamstring) and Luis Díaz (calf), while Everton are missing injured defender James Tarkowski (groin) and midfielder Amadou Onana (suspension). Both clubs have confirmed their full 25-man squads are available for selection aside from these absences, with no late fitness concerns reported in pre-match press conferences.
The tactical battle will likely center on Liverpool’s attempts to control midfield against Everton’s direct approach. Slot’s side averages 62.3% possession this season, the third-highest in the Premier League, while Everton average just 41.7%, the second-lowest in the league. Gravenberch’s ability to recycle possession and shield the back four will be crucial against Gueye’s physical presence and Everton’s reliance on quick transitions to exploit space behind Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Set pieces could also prove decisive, with Liverpool scoring 11 goals from corners and free kicks this season – the fifth-highest total in the division – while Everton have conceded eight goals from set-piece situations, the third-worst record in the league. Van Dijk’s aerial dominance, having won 68% of his defensive duels this season, will be tested by Everton’s threat from dead-ball situations, particularly with Gueye and center-back Michael Keane both posing dangers in the box.
As the teams prepare to emerge from the tunnel at Goodison Park, the atmosphere is expected to be electric despite the 12:30 p.m. Kickoff. Merseyside derbies routinely produce intense, passionate encounters regardless of timing or league position, with the fixture historically averaging 3.2 yellow cards per game over the last decade. Slot’s decision to start three Dutch internationals while keeping Frimpong on the bench will be scrutinized closely, particularly if Liverpool struggle to break down Everton’s organized defensive structure in the opening stages.
The result could have significant ramifications for both managers’ seasons. A win for Liverpool would extend their unbeaten run against Everton to four matches across all competitions and strengthen their Champions League qualification bid. For Dyche, a victory would represent his first league win over Liverpool in four attempts and provide a crucial boost to Everton’s survival hopes with the run-in approaching.
Following this match, Liverpool travel to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on April 12, while Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on April 13. Both fixtures kick off at 3:00 p.m. Local time (2:00 UTC).
What are your thoughts on Slot’s lineup selection for the Merseyside derby? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football fans on social media.
