Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces a potential headache following the postponement of Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.
The final Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park was canceled just hours before kick-off due to safety concerns related to Storm Darragh.
Officials from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council determined that the risks posed by the storm were too high for players, staff, and spectators to safely proceed with the match.
The decision followed warnings from the Met Office about Storm Darragh, which was expected to bring winds of up to 90mph (144km/h).
Everton issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking supporters for their understanding. They emphasized that while the postponement was disappointing, the safety of everyone involved was the top priority.
The timing of the postponement is likely to frustrate both Liverpool and Everton fans. Liverpool could see their lead at the top of the Premier League reduced to just four points if Arsenal or Chelsea win their upcoming matches. Arsenal will face Fulham on Sunday, while Chelsea will play Tottenham later that day.
Everton had been heading into the derby with momentum after a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves in their last Premier League game.
Both teams now await the announcement of a rescheduled date, with the Premier League confirming that no decision has been made yet.
The postponement was confirmed in a statement: “Today’s Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed due to safety concerns caused by adverse weather conditions. A new date will be confirmed in due course.”
When will the Everton vs. Liverpool match be rescheduled?
Finding an available time slot for the match could be challenging, as Liverpool is still involved in all four major competitions this season. Their participation in the expanded Champions League adds further complications, as they still have three league-phase matches to play, even after securing advancement to the next round.
Additionally, Liverpool faces Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 18, followed by potential semi-finals on January 6 and February 3, and the final on March 16.
Everton and Liverpool will both begin their FA Cup campaigns on January 11, with Everton facing Peterborough and Liverpool meeting Accrington Stanley in the third round.
Sportsmole has suggested that the most likely date for the rescheduled derby will be a midweek game in the first two weeks of February.
Given that Liverpool should avoid the Champions League knockout round play-offs, which are scheduled for February 11-12 and February 18-19, this period could work for the rearranged match.
However, this would be a frustrating scenario for Slot, who will be eager for his players to have a break after a demanding festive schedule and the early part of 2025.
Additionally, Liverpool is set to play title contenders Manchester City at the Etihad on February 22, and Slot will be keen to avoid overburdening his players ahead of that critical fixture.
