Stan Collymore has no doubts that the Merseyside Derby tops the list of intense rivalries he's experienced.
As Everton gear up to welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park this Wednesday, the ex-Reds forward reminisced about his time on the pitch during such fierce encounters. Speaking via William Hill, Collymore didn't hesitate to single out the Merseyside Derby as the pinnacle of heated matches - especially given the divided loyalties among many Liverpudlian families.
He said: "I think the Merseyside Derby [is the most intense] - I played at one in Goodison and it was just breathless. I remember it really well. I think we drew 1-1 and I got an assist for Robbie Fowler in the last minute - we were 1-0 down. And it was proper, sort of... I mean, the Premier League is fast as it is, but then you add a derby into the mix.
"I played in Bradford vs Leeds derbies - didn't play in a Villa vs Birmingham derby but played Villa vs West Brom, Villa vs Wolves. East Midlands derbies... Forest against Derby, that was very intense as well. But I think the Merseyside Derby because of the sort of familial links.
"There are people in families that are split by Red and Blue, but that game at Goodison springs to mind because it was just... You just couldn't have two seconds on the ball. Everything was tackles going in, it was wet, it was muddy. And like I say, we ended up getting a 1-1 draw, so without a doubt, my most intense experience of a derby was Everton against Liverpool at Goodison," reports the Liverpool Echo.
The match Collymore was referring to unfolded at Goodison Park in April 1996, with a full house of 40,120 spectators. Andrei Kanchelskis broke the deadlock for the home side 18 minutes into the game when a powerful kick from Neville Southall travelled all the way into Liverpool's box due to the slippery pitch.
David James misjudged his collection, leaving John Ebbrell with a clear shot on goal, albeit from a tight angle. The striker's attempt ricocheted off the post and fell to Kanchelskis, who blasted it into an unguarded net, triggering wild celebrations among the home fans.
However, Fowler levelled the score for the Reds with just three minutes of regular time remaining, after Collymore delivered a cross from the left flank - ensuring Liverpool returned from the short journey with a point. Now, Everton are gearing up to host Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the 2024/25 season.
The match was originally scheduled for early December but was postponed due to hazardous conditions caused by Storm Darragh. Liverpool will be aiming to continue their impressive Premier League form when they visit Goodison, having stumbled only once in a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September.
Boasting 17 victories and five draws, the Reds are aiming to extend their six-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings. However, they'll be up against a revitalised Everton under David Moyes in the final derby at Goodison.
Everton are currently 16th, nine points away from the relegation zone, having secured just six wins from 23 matches this season. However, things seem to be gradually improving for Moyes, who has already equalled Sean Dyche's win record with triumphs over Spurs, Brighton and Leicester.
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