Liverpool get blessing in disguise as Everton postponement hands Arne Slot huge boost

Liverpool may have been handed a blessing in disguise after the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park was postponed.

The Reds were due to face Everton on Saturday but the game was called off for safety reasons, with Storm Darragh wreaking havoc across the country. The match will need to be played another time, but the rescheduled date is yet to be confirmed.

A statement from Liverpool read: “It was decided that due to the risk to safety in the local area, and the amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6.00am on Sunday, today’s match is postponed on safety grounds.

“We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance. Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture, including ticketing, will be announced in due course.”

While the postponement was hugely frustrating for supporters of both clubs, it might have been a good thing for Liverpool with Arne Slot waiting on several key players to recover from injuries.

The likes of Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are currently sidelined for the Reds. All six players will benefit from the extra recovery time given by the Everton game being called off.

It also ensures that Liverpool will head into next weekend’s game against Fulham with a much fresher squad. They are likely to rotate players when they face Girona in the Champions League in midweek, with the Reds two points clear at the top of the table.

Liverpool looked tired in their recent draw against Newcastle and will surely benefit from the additional period of rest ahead of the Fulham game, where victory could see them maintain their healthy lead in the Premier League title race.

Players who have recently suffered injuries will also have more time to reach full fitness, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold could potentially start against the Cottagers after making the bench against Newcastle.

The postponement of the Everton game does mean that Liverpool will have a crowded fixture list down the line. The match will have to be played at some point, meaning the Reds will miss out on a break where they were supposed to have one.

However, the squad is likely to be in a much better place by then, which will increase their hopes of putting Everton to the sword while reducing the risk of a derby day upset at Goodison Park.