The big Premier League Advent calendar quiz,published at07:58
The big Premier League Advent calendar quiz
Merseyside derby called off because of Storm Darragh,published at15:47 7 December
Merseyside derby called off because of Storm Darragh
Planet Premier League pundits Nedum Onuoha and Gilberto Silva discuss their memories of Goodison Park before the final Merseyside league derby at the ground.
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 15 he takes on Dougie Payne, bassist with rock band Travis.
Liverpool let victory slip away right at the end of their game atNewcastleon Wednesday, with Caoimhin Kellehers mistake proving costly.
But he has been excellent for them while Alisson has been out injured and I dont think a draw at St James Park is a bad result.
Everton come into this game in better form following their win overWolves, which was a huge result for Toffees boss Sean Dyche after the run they were on.
They can definitely make things difficult for Liverpool, and I suspect they will be fairly direct when they attack, but Arne Slots side should have too much quality for them.
At the start of the week I thought Liverpool would absolutely pump Everton, but then Everton put four goals past Wolves. I still think Liverpool will win, but it wont be as simple for them.
Read the full predictions and have your say here
From the Don Hutchison disallowed goal to the Luis Suarez dive celebration, BBC Radio Merseyside has looked back on five of the stranger things from previous Merseyside derbies.
Will they bring back memories of joy or rage?
Mandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalist
Arne Slot warmed up for his first Merseyside derby by watching Liverpools defeat atEvertonin April.
In that game, the Reds were beaten 2-0 under former manager Jurgen Klopp as the Toffees took great delight in putting a massive dent in the title challenge of their local rivals.
Liverpool fans will be hoping there is no repeat as they go into Saturdays game at 12:30 GMT with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
I was a bit surprised after half an hour because Liverpool had the ball most of the time but there were 10 fouls by a Liverpool player and only one from Everton, said Slot when speaking about Aprils game at his news conference on Friday.
We have to be aggressive but in a smart way, especially because they are a big threat from set-pieces.
Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw atNewcastle Unitedon Wednesday, while Everton beatWolves4-0.
Slot is expecting a fervent atmosphere at Goodison Park, especially as the game is set to mark the final Merseyside derby in the league before the Blues move ground.
The fans will be loud – just as loud as the Newcastle ones and maybe louder – so we have to be prepared for everything, he added.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Saturdays game at Everton.
He addressed debate over a mistake in Wednesdays draw at Newcastle by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher – which you can see below – and answered questions on dealing with pressure – which you can enjoy above.
It seems like each night brings a social media rumour over Mohamed Salahs contract situation as eager fans share snippets of gossip about the saga being over.
The wait goes on as Liverpool prepare for Saturdays meeting with local rivalsEverton.
The Toffees have done a decent job of taming Salah, who has found the net seven times in fixtures against them. Thats less than he has against the likes ofManchester City(eight),Arsenal(11) andManchester United(12).
This season, though, he has raced away from team-mates – scoring 13 times and assisting on eight occasions for a total of 21 direct goal involvements. The nearest player to him for the Reds is Luis Diaz, on a combined seven.
Where would they be without him? Liverpool fans will hope they dont need to find the answer to that question any time soon.
Liverpool players are used to pressure – Slot,published at15:18 6 December
Liverpool players are used to pressure – Slot
Slot on his first derby, Kelleher and being smart
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Saturdays Premier League game againstEverton(kick-off 12:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
No injured players will recover in time for the Merseyside derby, with Alisson the closest to making his return.
Slot said the derby is going to be special for everyone, adding: It being the last one at Goodison [Park] makes it even more special.
On what he expects from his first one: Its only a nice experience if the result goes your way. We know we have to be ready against a tough team. The fans will be loud. We have to be prepared for everything in this game.
He wants his team to be aggressive in a smart way because having watched last seasons game back, Liverpool gave away too many fouls considering the possession stats.
He said Everton are a big threat from set pieces, so unnecessary free kicks will not help his side get a result.
On Caoimhin Kelleher, who was at fault forNewcastlesequaliser on Wednesday: If you make a mistake as a goalkeeper its difficult for someone else to cover it up for you. Hes always there to help us. We just unfortunately couldnt be there to help him.
More on Liverpools number two: Hes in a good place, although hes disappointed like the others for dropping points from a winning situation. He can go into this game with a lot of confidence.
On whether he is thinking about the high winds that are expected on Merseyside: Not at the moment but you have to take it into consideration. Not in the line-up but in the execution of the players. It can have an influence.
Alexis Mac Allister is suspended for this match but Slot is confident they have enough available players to fill in. Slot added: You know throughout the season this will happen but it is always in these moments when you feel like oh we could have used him in this one!
On Jarell Quansahs performance at right-back on Wednesday: Quansah played quite a good game. From what Im told not everyone agrees with me on that. But in his one v ones he had no problems.
Slot said Conor Bradley is a similar type to Trent Alexander-Arnold, in that he tries to attack the goal and make the overlaps, whereas Quansah is more behind the ball.
Follow all of Fridays Premier League news conferences and the rest of the days football news
How Liverpool are getting local kids into STEM subjects Video, 00:02:24,published at13:04 6 December
How Liverpool are getting local kids into STEM subjects
Can Liverpool stop Everton damaging title challenge?
Mandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalist
The big games keep coming for Premier League leaders Liverpool and head coach Arne Slot.
Following wins over Real Madrid andManchester Citybefore a thrilling draw atNewcastle United, the Reds now face a short trip to face local rivalsEvertonon Saturday (12:30 GMT).
It will be Slots first derby but is set to be the last one in the league at Goodison Park before Evertons planned move to their new stadium for next season.
The blue side of Merseyside will want to make it a game to remember by damaging Liverpools title challenge, while the Reds will want to get back to winning ways to keep the chasing pack at arms length.
Slot is due to speaking to the media at about 13:15 GMT and it will be interesting to hear what he has got to say about where his side are at.
They had a poor first half at St James Park on Wednesday so are the strains of the season starting to show?
Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah started in defence at Newcastle as the injuries have started to pile up for the Reds, with centre-back Ibrahima Konate, right-back Conor Bradley and left-back Kostas Tsimikas out for a few weeks.
Keeper Alisson, forward Diogo Jota and winger Federico Chiesa have been out for a while and well find out where they are at on the road to their return.
Slot gives very little away when asked about the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who are out of contract at the end of the season, and expect the same if he is questioned again on the issue.
Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Slot
Follow all of Fridays Premier League news conferences and the rest of the days football news here
Liverpool fan Peter Bolster speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside on Caoimhn Kellehers mistake in the 3-3 draw at Newcastle:It was just diabolical. Inexcusable by the keeper. You cannot defend that type of decision making. As well as he has done coming in over the last few months and in cup competitions over the last few seasons, when youre playing at the highest level, you have to do the right thing. Just to leave it was disgraceful.
Hes done it before. I think it was the Villa game where he left it and got away with it. There is patterns in his play.
This is not knee-jerk. Hes a number two keeper who has come in and done very well. It has to end the debate about bringing Alisson back in.
It was the nature of the mistake and the fact it has happened before.
Is it a point gained? The reason we were so happy to go 11 clear of City and nine of Arsenal was to have an off night like that. It was the midweek game, the tricky game.
Some fans contacted BBC Radio Merseyside about the form of Darwin Nunez and Bolster commented:He was shocking. I think his all-round game. When I was a kid Michael Owen came back for five or six games and hadnt scored and it was a headline. Why doesnt no one talk about Nunez? He has two Premier League goals this season, three in 18 in all competitions. Its simply not good enough for a Liverpool striker.
Hes 25, not a young lad. So when we talk about a young player with attributes to refine, its simply not true. He gave the ball away over and over again. If he didnt he passed behind players and slowed counter-attacks down. He is not a good enough footballer for a top side, simple as that.
Listen to more of the debate on BBC Radio Merseyside
This is Arne Slots first meeting withEvertonas Liverpool manager. Only one Reds boss has won their first ever league Merseyside derby when that match has come away from home, with Kenny Dalglish overseeing a 3-2 victory in September 1985.
Ray Houghton has been speaking about the superstitions at Liverpool during his time at Anfield – and the time he was stitched up by his team-mates to sit in manager Kenny Dalglishs chair before his first game for the club.
On the latest episode of the BBCs Sacked in the Morning podcast, Houghton said: When you were getting a bus for away games, you sat in the same seats.
It was virtually the same teams every day in training – you couldnt change over.
Even your meal on a Friday night, it was really basic. Theres only three meals you could have, there was fish and chips and spaghetti, but you couldnt say no, I want X, Y and Z – nothing like that.
Houghton played more than 150 games for Liverpool between 1987 and 1992, but he might not have made an appearance for the club at all after upsetting Dalglish during the pre-match meal before his first game.
I didnt know where to sit – its my first game. Houghton said. So the lads said to me go sit in that chair there. So I sat down and had a sixth sense something was wrong because I could see them giggling and laughing – I thought Id spilt something down my shirt and tie.
Then the doors opened and in walked Kenny Dalglish, straight over and went youre sitting in my chair, what are you going to do? And Im thinking what am I going to do?
Despite everyone else in the room expecting Houghton to give his seat up for the manager, he stayed where he was.
I said Im going to sit here. You sure? Yeah, Im going to sit here.
[Dalglish] went OK, and sat somewhere. I felt ten feet tall. didnt I?
When it came to picking the team, Dalglish looked across the room pointing at those playing, before focusing on Houghton: Sub, you. Dont ever sit in my chair again. Got it?
Thankfully for Houghton, his Liverpool career did not end that day and he helped the club achieve two league titles and two FA Cups in his time with the Reds.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Everton v Liverpool quiz: Name the Merseyside derby goalscorers,published at08:26 6 December
Everton v Liverpool quiz: Name the Merseyside derby goalscorers
Gossip: Reds in talks for Leverkusens Frimpong
Liverpool are in contact with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for 23-year-old Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong.(Caught Offside),external
BrightonandSouthamptonare tracking 18-year-old Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller, with the Scotland Under-21 international also interesting Liverpool andNewcastle.(Daily Mail – subscription required),external
Liverpool are confident France defender Ibrahima Konate, 25, will sign a new contract with the club as talks progress over a new deal.(Fabrizio Romano),external
Want more transfer stories? Read Fridays full gossip column
Origis derby winner & Agueroooo – late Premier League goals. Video, 00:04:59,published at06:52 6 December
Origis derby winner & Agueroooo – late Premier League goals
Nostalgic night under St James Park lights
Wednesdays 3-3 draw between Newcastle and Liverpool provided a lovely feeling of nostalgia for many people watching as it was a game of old.
It was a great game and there is always an energy around midweek nights at St James Park.
Newcastle were very much on the front foot in the first half and it was a great goal from Alexander Isak. Liverpool werent at their absolute best but Arne Slot is really good at tweaking his team at half-time to bring out a better version of them in the second half.
Even when Liverpool scored, Newcastle were still pushing forward and then when they equalised the noise level inside the stadium went up again.
At 3-2 you probably thought the game was over, so fair play to Newcastle for bouncing back. That came through a mistake by Caoimhin Kelleher, which 99 times out of 100 would not have been punished the way it was.
The finish from Fabian Schar is not getting enough credit and it will probably be one of the best finishes of the season.
It was just an incredible game and the Newcastle fans will have loved it. From a Liverpool perspective, it probably serves as a bit of a reminder of what is ahead of them this season.
They might want to win the Premier League title but there will be hiccups along the way and Wednesdays result was a big boost for those teams around them in the title race.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sports Katie Stafford
While Saturdays Merseyside derby throws up the usual conflicts between Everton and Liverpool supporters, this weekends edition holds further significance as fans look to come together to combat food poverty in the city.
Saturdays match will be the last Premier League derby at Goodison Park, as Evertons new stadium nears completion, and Katie Carter from fans group The 1878s spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside on Thursday about how they want to mark the fixture.
We do the flags at Goodison and we kindly have fans who sponsor our displays, she said.
We decided we always ask people to donate to us to be able to make the flags happen. We decided, why not give something back? How about we try our utmost to make this the biggest collection that the foodbanks have ever had at a football game?
Its not about Everton or Liverpool, its about people in the city coming together as we always do to help those most in need. If every single fan that went to the game, if possible, could bring one tin of food or toiletries, there wouldnt be one hungry kid in this city on Saturday night.
How good would that make you feel, knowing you have been a part of that and helped the people who most need it?
When people see foodbank donations, the assumption is that food is the only thing those in poverty need. As Katie explains, the problems are rooted deeper than that.
Things have cropped up this week that we didnt know about, she added.
There are thousands of children on Merseyside who go to school with no deodorant on and havent been washed. They dont have the products to do that.
There is so much more than just providing food to people. Lets help these children have better hygiene and stuff like that when they are going to school.
We asked for your thoughts after Wednesdays Premier League game between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Wardy:Wow. So, yet again we go toe to toe with the best the Premier League has to offer. If we can just maintain this level of intensity and commitment, we will climb the table. No more excuses lads – no fixture congestion, few injuries, everything to play for. Come on!!
Simon:What a difference between the team that turned up last night against Liverpool. To a man every ball was fought for, the press, the number of turnovers and the number of chances created were exceptional. This is by far our best performance of the season. Shoutout for the fans who acted as the 12th Man. A pleasure to watch.
James:Two points lost rather than a point gained, however, a better performance. Couldve been 3-0 up at half time and they were punished with their mistakes for Liverpools goals. The lack of conviction in some chances has been the downfall this season so far.
Ernie:Really entertaining game. Glad to get a point. Could have been three but for a couple of defensive errors but Liverpool are a dangerous side all over the park. Tonali and Big Joe were excellent.
Philippe:Great game. Isak on fire and Gordon more influential on the left. Tonali did very well also. In Howe we trust. How did the referee blow the final whistle when we were three against one? It should have been ours for a last grasp winner for 4-3.
Tim Wadsworth:A point was well deserved against a high press team who were the better team on the night. Would love Isak to be our number nine. A goalkeeper error in the end but how many saves has he made for us so far? Three points a must at Goodison on Saturday.
Ruhel:Dont blame Kelleher for the Newcastle Goal. He has saved us on numerous occasions. I blame Nunez for missing chances again. Not good enough for Liverpool. Need to buy a striker in January as Jota is injury prone.
Ken Adams:Conceding so late feels more like points dropped than points gained. Have to bounce back at Goodison on Saturday to regain momentum. Wont be easy if the players dont win their individual duels. Quite a few lost composure under pressure and the reaction to a small setback is now vital.
Chris:Started off too slow and gave Newcastle momentum. Much better second half, but the Reds have been brilliant so far, and one average performance occasionally to be expected. But a point earned. Get Mo and Virgil signed please.
Slot praises special Salah amid contract talks. Video, 00:00:46,published at09:37 5 December
Slot praises special Salah amid contract talks
Salah is irreplaceable – Slot
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah is irreplaceable.
The forward scored two in Wednesdays 3-3 draw at Newcastle, with fan pressure mounting on the club to secure Salahs future as his contract nears its summer expiry.
Slot told Amazon Prime: Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal.
We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.
Salah, 32, has been involved in 13 goals across his last seven Premier League games (nine goals, four assists). He now sits fifth in the clubs all-time list of top scorers, just two goals behind Billy Liddell in fourth.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Slot said:He is irreplaceable because every time he plays 90 minutes. So that probably tells you everything. And we all see how important he is with his goals and his assists. The special thing about him is he doesnt even have to play a very good first hour to be so special in the last half hour.
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