Everton v Liverpool LIVE: Team news as Slot makes major call on Ekitike replacement for historic Merseyside derby

“So many derby matches are played up and down the country and many of them are famous for their rivalry – but the Merseyside derby match is right up there with any which is played in the United Kingdom.

“I was brought up in a city where the rivalry is intense. It’s just as fierce here as it is in Glasgow and it’s an honour to be the manager of one of the teams in this fixture.

“There has always been a closeness between the two clubs in this city and we have huge respect for our rivals. But over the years we have enjoyed some successes against them and we hope we can add to them today.

“Derbies don’t need bigging up and today gives us the opportunity to show off the power of Hill Dickinson Stadium again.”

Arne Slot hopes Liverpool’s contentious decision to sign two No 9s will prove smart in the battle to finish inside the top five and secure Champions League football next season.

“It’s a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.

“Now we thought maybe it’s a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that’s why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.

Everton are still without Jack Grealish but David Moyes has no new fitness concerns following the 2-2 draw at Brentford last weekend.

Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the season while Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak is still unable to play 90 minutes after his own injury lay-off. Mohamed Salah and Rio Ngumoha could return. Joe Gomez is unavailable and Alisson Becker remains out.

Arne Slot is set to make a major call for Liverpool with Hugo Ekitike’s replacement in the derby.

After a season-ending Achilles injury, Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.

Slot discussed the strategy of spending a total that could rise to beyond £200m on two No 9s, and how that could protect the Reds in the run-in without Ekitike now as they bid to hold onto a Champions League place for next term.

“It’s a good thing we signed two No 9s,” Slot maintained ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “A lot of people were debating why we signed two No 9s.

“Now we thought maybe it’s a smart idea to not be the only club in the world to have one No 9, that’s why we signed two. Now, all of a sudden, it looks good.

“Now people are questioning if we should sign another No 9. He was talking about five, six, seven or eight [signings this summer]. Somebody said the day after [Ekitike’s season-ending injury against PSG], you can’t write the script, on the day after Alex is back, his first start, the other one leaves with a long injury.”

Good morning and welcome to a huge day in the Premier League, with the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton welcome Liverpool.

With kick-off at 2pm, the Toffees could dent the Reds’ Champions League hopes and launch their own late charge for a top-five finish with victory today.

While Arne Slot bids to bounce back from the midweek Champions League exit at the hands of PSG.

Stay with us for all the build-up, plus the latest ahead of the huge game in the title race at 4:30pm between Man City and Arsenal.