• Liverpool faces Everton in a crucial Premier League derby at Goodison Park.
• Manager Arne Slot stressed the need for a bounce-back after their FA Cup upset.
• This match marks the final clash at Goodison before Everton's move to Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Liverpool is gearing up for their 122nd and final clash at Goodison Park against local rivals Everton, manager Arne Slot stated on Tuesday. The Reds are eager to rebound from a disappointing FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle and stay atop the Premier League standings. Following the postponement of the match previously slated for December 7 due to Storm Darragh, this high-stakes encounter arrives amid significant sentiment as Everton prepares to bid farewell to their historic ground, established in 1892, after this season.

Currently, Liverpool leads the Premier League with 56 points, six ahead of second-place Arsenal, while Everton sits precariously at 16th position with 26 points. Manager Slot remarked on the heightened atmosphere expected for the match, indicating that “it’s an extra reason why the atmosphere will be even better than all the ones before.” He underscored the necessity for his players to deliver a performance aligning with the high standards expected from the club after their loss to Plymouth, stating, “we have to show a different side of us tomorrow because losing at Plymouth was not acceptable.”

Historically, this match holds added significance as it represents Slot’s first derby as Liverpool's head coach and the last at Goodison Park, making the stakes even higher. Slot's tactical approach will need to account for the emotional and intense environment typical of a Merseyside derby. Although Liverpool suffered a 2-0 defeat in their last visit to Everton under previous managers, they hope to capitalize on their current form, given Everton's recent resurge under manager David Moyes, who has steered the team to victories in three of their last four league encounters.

Liverpool faces some injury challenges as defender Joe Gomez will miss out on the match, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt due to a thigh issue. Slot mentioned that Alexander-Arnold managed to participate partially in training, which raises hopes for his availability. “He will train, hopefully, with us again, and we will decide if we can take him to the game,” Slot commented, highlighting the team’s ongoing preparations for this pivotal clash.

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