Everton deny Liverpool as Merseyside derby ends in chaos – as it happened

Arne Slot declared his weakened FA Cup line-up at Plymouth was done “for a reason” as Liverpool faced up to a shock exit to Championship strugglers and criticism his team selection had devalued the competition.

Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty secured a famous 1-0 win for Plymouth, rock bottom in the Championship, against the Premier League leaders in Sunday’s fourth-round tie at Home Park.

In what was Liverpool’s 13th game since Boxing Day and ahead of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Everton, Slot made 10 changes from the side which had dismantled Tottenham three days earlier to reach the Carabao Cup final.

Bournemouth burst Everton’s bubble to end David Moyes’ dream of bringing silverware back to the club – for this season at least – with a 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory.

After three successive league wins had eased relegation fears, the Scot hoped the cup would afford his players a release from the relentless pressure of the last couple of years, but the high-energy Cherries are not such accommodating opponents.

In Antoine Semenyo they have a livewire winger who has caused many defenders a problem and James Tarkowski will be pleased to see the back of the Ghana international after enduring a nightmare opening 45 minutes.

Arne Slot bemoaned a lack of creativity from his Liverpool side after being upset by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle in a famous FA Cup shock.

The Reds saw their quadruple hopes dashed in the 1-0 defeat at Home Park after a Ryan Hardie penalty following Harvey Elliott handball.

And while Slot was quick to give credit to Miron Muslic’s side, the Dutch coach immediately highlighted just where the Premier League leaders fell short on a rare off day.

Plymouth produced a huge FA Cup upset as Premier League leaders Liverpool were knocked out by the bottom club in the Championship to end hopes of a historic quadruple.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot gambled with a weakened side in Devon and literally paid the penalty as Ryan Hardie’s second-half spot-kick gave Plymouth a famous 1-0 win and sent them into the fifth round of the competition.

It was only the fourth time that the team starting the day at the top of the Premier League has been eliminated from the FA Cup by a side from outside the top flight.

The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park promises to entertain, and though Everton will make it difficult for the visitors, the league leaders are expected to sneak through with the tree points.

Everton 1-2 Liverpool.

Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowksi, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Neto.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.

David Moyes has no new injury concerns after the loss to Bournemouth in the cup, with Orel Mangala and Armando Broja as the long-term injuries.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will remain out, as will Dwight McNeil and Seamus Coleman.

Arne Slot’s only new worry is regarding Joe Gomez, who came off in the loss to Plymouth. It is currently unknown whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will be fit in time to face the Toffees though the right-back will be assessed in training and a late decision made by the manager.

Other than that, it is expected that Slot will likely make 10 changes as he did at the weekend, with key players such as Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch all returning to the line-up.

When is Everton vs Liverpool?

Everton vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday 12 February at Goodison Park.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, while subscribers can also watch online via discovery+. Coverage starts at 6.30pm.

You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only ?30.99 per month.

Everton host Liverpool in the Premier League tonight in what is the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park.

Everton’s home will be demolished when they move into the new stadium at the beginning of next season, but the storied ground has the potential to for one more exciting chapter as league leaders Liverpool cross town.

The fixture comes at a busy time for both clubs, with the original match re-arranged due to Storm Darragh in December, and while Liverpool exited the FA Cup at the weekend, they can go nine points clear at the top of the league with a win tonight.

David Moyes has steadied the ship since arriving back at Everton in January, and though the Toffees should be safe from relegation anyway, Goodison will be rocking as they hope to take three points as their rivals fight for the title.

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool.

The match will be the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, with the Reds hoping to mark the occasion by going nine points clear at the top.