The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed with Storm Darragh battering the UK.
The decision will give the authorities a headache to squeeze the replayed fixture into an already packed calendar.
Everton’s statement insisted more information would follow concerning the new date for the fixture, with the reverse fixture at Anfield due on 2 April 2025.
A Toffees statement read: “Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”
With Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and both sides due to play in the FA Cup third round in the new year, the Reds’ position at the top of the Champions League could offer some relief, given they will avoid the play-offs.
That would enable Liverpool to avoid two games in the knockout phase play-offs on 11-12 February and 18-19 February 2025, presenting an opportunity to play the first Merseyside derby of the season.
Liverpool face Accrington Stanley on 11 January in the FA Cup, while Sean Dyche’s side have a tie against Peterborough on 9 January.
Should either side progress, then they will have a fourth round tie on 8-9 February 2025, while further cup ties could await in the fifth round on 1-2 March 2025 and the quarter-finals on 29-30 March 2025.
Liverpool travel to Southampton on 18 December for the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, victory would add two more fixtures to their workload: The semi-final first leg is scheduled for 8 January, with the second leg on 5 February.
Failure to beat Saints could offer one more window for the fixture to be replayed, the first would not be possible given Everton’s third round FA Cup tie with Peterborough is just 24 hours later.
If Liverpool remain in the Carabao Cup and finish in the top eight of the Champions League, the derby could be replayed on 11-12 February or 18-19 February 2025.
