This Sunday's Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool carries enormous significance on multiple fronts. Historic in its own right, given it will mark the first occasion the fierce rivals have clashed at the Blues' new Hill Dickinson Stadium, it is a fixture both sides are desperate to win.

While Liverpool are still nursing their wounds following their Champions League elimination at the hands of holders Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, the latest round of Premier League results could hardly have gone better for Arne Slot's squad. After the defending champions returned to form with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Anfield, their main challengers for a Champions League spot, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United, all failed to capitalise.

That leaves the Reds sitting four points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, within two of fourth-placed Villa and three behind third-placed United in the race for Champions League qualification.

However, a win at Everton this weekend would thrust them firmly into contention for a top-five finish.

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The eighth-placed Blues secured what could prove an invaluable point last weekend after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck in stoppage time to claim a 2-2 draw at Brentford.

That outcome left both clubs level on 47 points, one adrift of Chelsea and four behind Liverpool following their win over Fulham.

But how are the respective squads shaping up?

For Liverpool, their injury woes continue to mount after Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off against PSG in midweek.

The Reds confirmed on Friday that the France international has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will consequently be ruled out for the remainder of the Premier League season and this summer's World Cup.

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Ekitike joins fellow long-term injury victims Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo on the treatment table.

All four will be absent for the clash against the Blues, with further concern surrounding first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Brazil international has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury and is expected to return in April, though it remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to face Everton, whose only confirmed absentee is Jack Grealish.

Nevertheless, the derby may come too soon for fellow midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, despite his return to training.