Everton should be confident that they can win against Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday, former Toffees player Kevin Kilbane has claimed.
The Blues will host fierce rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park in the Premier League and come into their home clash in strong form having won their last three top-flight matches.
Manager David Moyes has brought a sense of optimism back to the club since his arrival, and former Everton player Kevin Kilbane insisted that fans should feel confident that the team can upset the odds and earn a positive result on Wednesday.
When asked whether Everton can win against the Reds, Kilbane told Sports Mole: "In a word, yes. There is a lot more optimism about Everton and lots of good feeling about Everton right now. Moyes knows about the Merseyside derby, Moyes being at the club has galvanised the whole club."
Moyes replaced previous boss Sean Dyche in early January after the latter had overseen a period of one win in 11 matches, with the club losing four and drawing six in that time.
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The Merseyside derby assessed
Wednesday night is sure to be an emotionally charged atmosphere given it is set to be the last ever derby played at Goodison Park.
A victory for Everton would be hugely symbolic considering both Liverpool and the Toffees have won 41 derbies at the stadium, and to end their stay at their long-time home with a positive record against their biggest rivals would give them permanent bragging rights.
Arne Slot's side are likely to prove difficult to overcome given they lead the way in the Premier League, while the Blues are in 16th place with 26 points, 30 fewer than the Reds.
However, Kilbane referenced Liverpool's defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last Sunday as reason to be optimistic, telling Sports Mole: "With it being the last one at the Stadium, I have to be confident and I am confident that Everton can get a result in this game.
"You look at Liverpool's slip up against Plymouth - Everton will take confidence from this to be able to go out and perform and get a win. David Moyes has really brought smiles back to the club and they will be up for this game on Wednesday."
To their credit, Everton have often managed to frustrate Liverpool irrespective of the two sides' form, with the Toffees drawing nine of the last 12 derbies at Goodison.
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Could a win in the Merseyside derby be a springboard?
Everton's performances in recent Premier League seasons have seen them fight against relegation far too often, and the club have finished 15th or lower in each of their past three campaigns, surviving relegation in 2022-23 by just two points after finishing 17th.
Moyes previously coached the team between 2002 and 2013, and he managed to end his final two seasons in charge above Liverpool, something the Toffees have since failed to do.
The Scottish head coach spoke of his desire to close the gap to the Reds in the upcoming campaigns but acknowledged in the buildup to Wednesday's clash that the gap between the two teams is "as big as it has been" for some time.
While a win at Goodison would not only dent Liverpool's title charge and allow Arsenal to remain in the race, it would also see the Blues move 13 points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town and such an advantage would likely put them on the cusp of safety.
Winning on Wednesday would allow the club to begin looking ahead to 2025-26 and begin building towards a more successful season in their new stadium.
Kevin Kilbane was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of Netbet Sports Betting.
Lewis Nolan
