The rescheduled Merseyside derby at Goodison Park is now just over two weeks away, and a recent update regarding the match may cause concern among Liverpool supporters.
Initially set to take place on December 7, the highly anticipated clash between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to the impact of Storm Darragh. The fixture has now been rearranged for February 12. However, Liverpool fans may be feeling a bit uneasy as they look ahead to the game, given the club’s recent struggles at Goodison Park. Despite their strong performances in recent years, Liverpool have only managed two victories at Everton’s home ground since October 2011. This statistic alone might be enough to make some supporters nervous, but an additional factor has now come into play that could heighten their concerns even further.
The Premier League officially announced this morning that Michael Oliver has been selected as the referee for the upcoming Merseyside derby. While Oliver is widely regarded as one of the most experienced referees in English football, his appointment may not be particularly reassuring for Liverpool fans. His past decisions in high-stakes matches have sometimes been the subject of debate, and given the intensity of Merseyside derbies, his officiating will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny.
In addition to Oliver’s appointment, the league also confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will oversee VAR duties for the match. With VAR playing an increasingly influential role in key moments of games, many fans will be hoping that the technology is used fairly and consistently throughout the encounter. The potential for controversial decisions is always a talking point in a fixture as fiercely contested as the Merseyside derby, and Liverpool supporters will be watching closely to see how Kavanagh handles his responsibilities.
Meanwhile, before facing Everton, Liverpool have another important Premier League fixture on the horizon. They are set to take on Bournemouth this coming Saturday, and the officiating team for that game has also been revealed. Darren England will be the referee in charge when Liverpool travel to the south coast, with John Brooks appointed as the VAR official.
As Liverpool look to continue their strong domestic campaign, both of these upcoming fixtures will be crucial. The Merseyside derby, in particular, carries significant emotional weight for both sets of supporters, and with the appointments of Michael Oliver and Chris Kavanagh, there will be plenty of anticipation—and perhaps some apprehension—among the Anfield faithful.
