Everton play host to Liverpool for first time at new stadium - live updates

LIVEUpdated 1 min agoMerseyside Derby live as Everton play host to Liverpool for first time at Hill Dickinson StadiumThousands of supporters will head to Hill Dickinson Stadium todayNewsHannah Rees What's On editor and Elliot Jessett City reporterThe first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium will take place today. Just under 53,000 supporters are set to attend the sold out Premier League match, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, April 19.

The 248th meeting between the city rivals will mark a historic occasion as Everton play host to Liverpool for the first time at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the waterfront.

The ECHO are outside the ground as thousands of football fans head to the stadium. We'll be bringing you the latest fan reaction, travel updates and best pictures. Follow our latest updates below.

New UpdatesToday13:42 BSTGeorge and AlanThis is George Hornsby, 89, with his son Alan Hornsby. George has been going to watch Everton since 1946.

Hannah ReesToday13:28 BSTFans outside the stadiumGreat to see so many young supporters soaking up the atmosphere of today's historic game. It will be one to remember.

Hannah ReesToday13:15 BSTFirst derby for this young BlueJamie O’Connor is bringing his son to his first derby at the stadium, and it’s a new experience for both of them.

It’s a proud day for Jay whose grandad used to bring him to Goodison when he was a kid so he’s really pleased he can now bring his own lad to the game - the only thing he hopes is that his son’s early years are filled with more joy and success for the club than when he was coming up.

Hannah ReesToday13:13 BSTInside the stadiumECHO photographer Iain Watts is inside the stadium ahead of the Merseyside Derby.

Hannah ReesToday12:59 BSTLiverpool team arriveLiverpool supporters welcome the team bus ahead of the historic Merseyside Derby.

Hannah ReesToday12:56 BSTMerseyrailMerseyrail have said that their journeys won't be running as usual today, with a number of changes made to the timetable.

They have announced the changes to train times including on the Southport line between 10.30am and 1pm as well as the Headbolt Lane Line from 11.21am to 1.36pm and 4.06pm and 5.36pm this afternoon.

They also said to expect "very busy services" between 12pm and 2pm as well as 4pm and 6pm after the match has come to an end.

Hannah ReesToday12:28 BSTSea of blueAerial view as supporters welcome the Everton team bus.

Hannah ReesToday12:27 BSTEverton team bus arrivesHundreds of supporters are outside the stadium as the team bus arrives.

Hannah ReesToday11:47 BSTEverton supporters wait for the team bus to arriveOutside Hill Dickinson Stadium is currently a sea of blue as supporters wait for the team bus to arrive.

Hannah ReesToday11:33 BSTMore supporters at The Denbigh CastleJoe and his daughter Chloe are in The Denbigh Castle ahead of the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Joe said: “On other home Derby games, we’d already be down in County Road soaking up the atmosphere and it would already be bouncing but it’s a new era now.

“Saying that, I’m expecting something similar today hopefully and it feels like a good build up.”

Asked to describe her feelings around the first home derby match since Everton moved from Goodison, Chloe said: “I think it's a new era for the club in many aspects, in terms of the transformation with the squad over the last season, in particular the new stadium, it feels like a new beginning, but at the same time, it's hard to articulate.

“It’s obviously not just what happens inside the stadium, it's your routine before and after. And obviously it's still evolving. As more places are opening, I think people are getting settled and what their routine is and what works for them.

“So I think having a derby at this stage in the season, it probably feels more like home than it did earlier.”

Hannah ReesToday11:29 BSTPolice updateChief Inspector Kev Chatterton said: "It’s always an exciting fixture in the footballing calendar when our two historic clubs face each other, but this is particularly special with it being the first Merseyside Derby to be held at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“As with any game, a comprehensive and appropriate policing operation has been put in place ahead of the match. To help achieve this, we have been planning for months with both clubs, as well as Liverpool City Council and transport partners.

"It will be a busy operation around the stadium and we hope that fans attending the match will act as ambassadors for their clubs.

“I want to take this opportunity to remind fans to plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium.

“Road closures will be in place and strict parking measures will be enforced as with every fixture. More officers will be in the area before and during the match to help Liverpool City Council enforce parking restriction.

“As with any large event, we remind supporters to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual activity.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic and memorable time and we encourage everyone to be behave responsibly.”

Hannah ReesToday11:28 BSTOutside Hill Dickinson StadiumSupporters are already outside the Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of today's 2pm kick off.

Hannah ReesToday11:26 BST"Really good build up"Michael tells us he’s pretty confident going into today’s game.

He said: “The new stadium is great and big shout out to the 1878 group who have played a massive part in trying to get everyone together, and they’ve wonders for the club in getting that connection.

“They've asked us to get in early as well and we’ve got the parade so it will be a really good build up.”

Keith adds: “I’m as confident as an Evertonian could be on a Derby day! I’ll go 3-1 to the Blues.“

Hannah ReesToday11:25 BSTSupporters at the Denbigh CastleBob has never never been to the new stadium at Bramley Moore dock. He can't wait for the match to start and is hoping for a 3-1 win for the Blues.

Jason predicts a 2-0 win for Everton, with Beto first goalscorer. Craig wants a 3-0, and predicts James Garner to score anytime.

Perhaps Everton's lucky mascot for the day, Criag tells us: "I've been to two Derby games before before, and considering our record against them, we won both of them. It was a 3-0 game when Andy Johnson scored, and the 2-1 where Dan Gosling scored, so I'm hoping for the hat-trick today.

"Because of all my memories are tied up with Goodison Park, I get emotional walking to the new ground, because that's the new, but I know she is there in the background, so I feel a bit guilty. I've been to some unbelievable games at Goodison, the atmosphere, under the lights on those night games, very very special.

"But I think they've done a really good job with this stadium, and with more and more games, especially the one at Chelsea, its starting to feel more and more like home, and we're expecting an electric atmosphere today."

Hannah ReesToday11:22 BSTGood morningThe ECHO will be bringing you the latest updates from the Merseyside Derby. We'll be out chatting to Everton and Liverpool supporters ahead of the historic game. Follow along with our live updates