Merseyside Derby: The Ultimate Liverpool vs Everton Guide

If you love English football, the Merseyside Derby is the match you mark on your calendar. It pits Liverpool against Everton, two clubs that share the same city, the same river, and a lot of bragging rights. Whether you wear red, blue, or just love the drama, this guide tells you why the derby matters and how to make the most of it.

History of the Merseyside Derby

The first ever derby took place in 1894, back when both teams were still finding their identity. Over more than a century, the rivalry has seen everything from quiet evenings at Anfield to explosive crowds at Goodison Park. The ‘friendly derby’ tag came from generations of families who support both sides, but on match day the friendliness disappears and the tension spikes. Big moments include Liverpool’s 5‑0 win in 1977, Everton’s 2‑1 comeback in 1989, and the 2009 clash where both sides fielded their record‑breaking scorers.

Matchday Tips & Where to Watch

Want to catch the derby live? Tickets sell out fast, so set a reminder when the club opens its sales portal. For a cheaper view, look for hospitality packages or standing areas – they give you the full atmosphere without breaking the bank. If you’re watching from home, check the broadcast schedule on Sky Sports or the Premier League app; they usually provide a pre‑match analysis that adds context to the rivalry.

The atmosphere is something else. You’ll hear chants swapping between ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘July 29th’, the day Everton clinched the league in 1985. The vocal fan sections create a wall of sound that can feel like a wave crashing over the pitch. Bring a scarf, wear your team’s colors proudly, and be ready for quick changes in mood – one minute it’s a laugh, the next it’s a nail‑biter.

Stat heads love the numbers. As of 2025, Liverpool leads the head‑to‑head with roughly 120 wins, Everton follows with about 95, and there have been over 70 draws. Liverpool has scored more goals in the derby, but Everton’s away record at Anfield is surprisingly solid, especially in the early 2000s when they won three away matches in a row.

Recent highlights keep the rivalry fresh. The 2024 season saw Liverpool win 3‑2 with a late goal from a youth academy graduate, while Everton’s 2023 victory featured a spectacular free‑kick that still gets replayed on social media. Those moments spark endless debates on forums – which goal was better, which captain stepped up, and who will dominate the next meeting?

For newcomers, a quick tip: arrive early to soak in the pre‑match buzz. Grab a pie from the stadium vendor, chat with fans from the opposite side, and notice the subtle rituals – like the Everton crowd’s silent pause before a corner kick or Liverpool’s coordinated ‘Allez Allez’ chant. These traditions make the derby more than just 90 minutes of football.

If you can’t travel, stream the match on a reliable device, use a good headset, and keep a notepad handy for those commentary moments that reveal why the rivalry runs deep. Talking points like “How many times has the derby decided a title race?” or “Which manager handled the pressure best?” keep the conversation lively.

Bottom line: the Merseyside Derby delivers passion, history, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re in the stands, at a local pub, or on your couch, knowing the backstory, the stats, and the fan culture will make the experience richer. So next time Liverpool meets Everton, be ready – you’re about to witness one of football’s greatest showdowns.