LIVERPOOL, Feb 11, (V7N) – Goodison Park will host its final Merseyside derby on Wednesday as Everton look to dent Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes before moving to their new stadium next season.

Everton, who have called Goodison home since 1892, will relocate to a modern 53,000-seat stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. This marks the end of an era for England’s first major football stadium, which played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s football history.

The rivalry between Everton and Liverpool dates back to Goodison’s origins. Everton, formed in 1878, originally played at Anfield but moved after a rent dispute with their landlord, John Houlding. Refusing to meet his demands, Everton relocated to a new ground across Stanley Park—leaving Houlding with a stadium but no team. His solution? He founded Liverpool FC.

Goodison Park was a groundbreaking stadium for its time, hosting FA Cup finals in 1894 and 1910 and attracting massive crowds that helped Everton become England’s wealthiest club. The stadium remained a landmark for over a century, even serving as a key venue during England’s 1966 World Cup triumph.

Everton’s golden years came in the 1980s, when they won two league titles, the FA Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup between 1984 and 1987. They still rank fifth in all-time English top-flight titles, behind Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, but haven’t lifted a trophy since their 1995 FA Cup victory.

Lifelong Everton fans cherish Goodison’s unique atmosphere, something that has remained even during the club’s decline. Peter MacFarlane, from the Everton fan podcast The Blue Room, told AFP: “It’s a place steeped in history. It brings an extra bite to the atmosphere.”

Despite the stadium’s historic significance, its ranking among England’s biggest venues has fallen. In 1994, the completion of the Park End stand brought capacity to 40,000, making it the country’s third-largest ground. But today, it sits at 12th as Everton have struggled in recent seasons.

The Goodison crowd has been crucial in helping Everton survive relegation battles in the past three years. With the return of David Moyes as manager, the club is once again steering toward Premier League safety, setting the stage for a fresh start at their new home.

For Evertonians, the farewell to Goodison Park is emotional. “We’ll all miss it—it’s where my grandad went, my dad went. It’s all we know,” said MacFarlane. But there’s still time for one final moment of magic—derailing Liverpool’s title charge would be the perfect parting gift for the Toffees faithful.

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