Why is no one talking about this weekend's Merseyside derby?

On a weekend where the top two are set to go head-to-head in a match that could determine the fate of the Premier League title, and the latest episode in Tottenham's relegation meltdown, it's been almost forgotten that the Merseyside derby also takes place on Sunday afternoon. 

Often one of the highlights of the season, the fixture has somewhat got lost in the ether, with the spotlight on the two sides of north London, but it's a game that actually feels like it has more riding on it than the recent clashes between Everton and Liverpool. 

In fact, the outcome of what happens could have a major say in both the European places and the future of the visiting boss. 

New surroundings 

First and foremost, it's quite the occasion for Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, as it hosts its first Merseyside derby. 

The Toffee's swanky new home by the Mersey has been quickly adopted by the club, with them having one of the best records of a team moving grounds in recent Premier League history. 

We all loved Goodison Park for its old-school charm and it instantly conjures up images of Duncan Ferguson and Danny Cadamarteri scoring against Liverpool in the derby, but the new era has started encouragingly at the new pad and all that's missing is a statement win over their old foes. 

They've definitely replicated some of the noise from Goodison, and there's no doubt there'll be a feverish atmosphere come the weekend as for the first time the Hill Dickinson welcomes its neighbours for Sunday lunch. 

And it might be the last fixture Arne Slot needs right now. 

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Pressure mounts on manager 

Liverpool head across the city, probably feeling pretty sorry for themselves after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG so easily in midweek. 

The defeat was the latest setback in a disappointing second season for the Anfield boss, who this time a year ago was being hailed a hero as the Reds closed in on a Premier League title win. 

The defence of that crown, though, hasn't gone to plan, and fingers have been firmly pointed at Arne Slot, with pressure mounting on the Dutchman going into the summer. 

He's failed to incorporate the big-name signings made at the start of the season, and has not managed to address issues that have dogged his team all season, especially in defence, where they've repeatedly lost points thanks to late goals. 

If he now fails to finish in the Champions League places, then questions may really be asked about his future come the end of the season - especially if it comes with a derby day defeat thrown into the mix. 

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Derby danger 

Lying in wait then will be Liverpool's rivals, who can smell blood and would have no issue in inflicting more damage on Slot's sorry season. 

David Moyes has European ambitions of his own too, with his side only outside the top seven on goal difference, completing the turnaround at a club that has become used to relegation battles in recent campaigns.

Therefore, beating the Reds isn't just about bragging rights or putting an exclamation mark on their new home, but there's something positive to play for as they look to bring European football back to the club.

The game has all the makings of a classic Merseyside derby, which by their very nature are always packed with incident, only this time both sides have more than one reason to want the three points. 

Meaning it's not a day to be missed on Merseyside and beyond.  

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