Salah Returns as Liverpool Face Everton in Historic First Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool, 18 April 2026
Mohamed Salah makes his comeback from injury as Liverpool prepare for the 248th Merseyside Derby at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. This marks the first time Liverpool will play at the venue, with a potential historic milestone awaiting - victory would make them the first club to win at 60 different grounds in the Premier League era. Both teams desperately need points for European qualification, with Liverpool currently fifth and holding a four-point advantage over their nearest rivals for Champions League football.
Strategic Team Changes Signal Liverpool’s Intent
Manager Arne Slot has confirmed three changes to Liverpool’s starting eleven for Sunday’s crucial encounter, with Mohamed Salah’s return from injury serving as the headline addition [1]. The Egyptian forward replaces Hugo Ekitike, who faces at least seven months on the sidelines following what has been described as a ‘devastating’ injury [1][3]. Andy Robertson is also expected to feature in what could be his final derby appearance for the club [1]. The predicted Liverpool lineup showcases the depth available to Slot: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Isak [1]. Notably, Joe Gomez remains unavailable for selection [1][3], while Alisson Becker continues his recovery and is expected to return at the end of April 2026 [3].
Historic Venue Debut Creates Unique Derby Atmosphere
The 248th Merseyside Derby will mark a significant milestone as Liverpool visit Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time [3]. Should Liverpool secure victory on Sunday, they would achieve the remarkable feat of becoming the first club to win at 60 different grounds in the Premier League era [2]. The venue, which opened its doors to Premier League action earlier this season, has already witnessed Everton lose six home games [3]. Slot acknowledged the unique atmosphere awaiting his team, stating: ‘I think their fans will be loud, as our fans will be loud as well. I think it’s not the stadium itself that makes the difference usually, it’s always the players that make the difference and the fans can have an impact to help the players out, that’s for sure’ [3]. The match is scheduled to kick off at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 19 April 2026, with Chris Kavanagh officiating and Paul Howard handling VAR duties [2][3].
European Ambitions Drive Derby Stakes
The tactical significance of Sunday’s encounter extends beyond local bragging rights, with both Merseyside clubs fighting for European qualification. Liverpool currently sits fifth in the Premier League table with a four-point advantage over their nearest rivals for the final Champions League spot [2]. Everton occupies eighth position, five points behind their city rivals, though victory would reduce that gap to just two points [2]. For Everton, three points would also see them reach 50 points for the first time since the 2020-21 season [2]. The Toffees’ recent record against Liverpool provides little encouragement, having won just one of their last 14 encounters at their previous home ground, Goodison Park [2]. David Moyes faces a challenging task, with his teams managing only one victory in his last 18 meetings with Liverpool - a 3-2 West Ham triumph in London during November 2021 [3].
Key Players and Tactical Considerations
Liverpool’s attacking threat will be bolstered by the return of Salah, whose pace and finishing ability could prove decisive against an Everton defence that has struggled at home this season. Cody Gakpo may switch to the left flank to accommodate Salah’s preferred right-wing position [1]. The creative burden falls on Florian Wirtz, who has created 50 chances from open play this season - second only to Bruno Fernandes’s 75 in the Premier League [2]. Curtis Jones remains in contention for a starting berth, with the local talent eager to represent Liverpool in this historic derby [1]. Everton’s injury concerns centre around Jack Grealish, who remains sidelined for the season due to a foot injury sustained in January 2026, though David Moyes confirmed that Charly Alcaraz has returned to training [2][3]. Young talent Rio Ngumoha could potentially become the youngest scorer in Merseyside Derby history should he feature [1], adding another layer of intrigue to an already captivating encounter.