The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was supposed to take place in early December, before Storm Darragh caused a late postponement. Everton had just beaten Wolves 4-0 to end a five-game winless run, apparently easing the pressure on Sean Dyche; in reality, that was his last win as Everton manager, with David Moyes returning to the hotseat a little over a month later.

The “Moyesiah” has resurrected the team with three straight league wins, and enjoyed four wins over Liverpool at Goodison in his previous tenure. With Everton nine points clear of the drop and freed from the shackles of Dycheball, fans can enjoy the long goodbye to their famous old ground, and will hope to start the party tonight.

As for Liverpool, they sat seven points clear at the top of the Premier League back in December – and now have a six-point lead, with tonight’s game in hand. Arne Slot’s smooth first season in charge hit an unexpected bump at Plymouth in the FA Cup on Sunday, where the manager rested several first-teamers with this derby in mind.

With Everton also eliminated from the Cup by south-coast opposition in Bournemouth, this rearranged game now stands out as a marquee fixture for Moyes, a chance to turn Liverpool’s blip into something more serious. Also at stake is the all-time winning record in Goodison derbies – both teams have won 41 games each at this venue.

Kick-off: 7.30pm GMT