Everton will be hosting the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday night (December 1) at Goodison Park.
Arguably one of the biggest games in world football, players visiting their biggest rivals typically receive a hostile reception.
However, what happens if you’ve represented both clubs, similar to manager Rafa Benitez.
Do players who are successful at both clubs receive equal love from both sets of supporters?
Here are 5 players to play for both Liverpool and Everton.
🗣 | A team news update from the boss ahead of the Merseyside derby. #EVELIV
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5. Gary Ablett (Liverpool 1985-92 & Everton 1992-96)
Starting his career at Liverpool winning two league titles and a FA Cup in 1989, things couldn’t have looked better for the young player.
However after Kenny Dalglish resigned in 1991, his successor Graeme Souness swiftly sold Ablett for £750,000.
He made 147 appearances for the Reds.
The defender’s success didn’t end there, winning Everton’s last trophy in 1995 with the FA Cup.
Making him the only player to win the cup with both Merseyside teams.
Ablett also played for Sheffield United, Birmingham City, and Blackpool before retiring in 2001.
4. Steve McMahon (Everton 1979-83 & Liverpool 1985-1991)
Making over 100 appearances for the Toffees and earning the role as captain, the midfielder looked like he bled blue when it came to his allegiance.
Leaving for Villa in 1983, the former Goodison ball boy left a legacy for the years to come.
However, when Liverpool came calling in 1985, it was hard to turn down despite loyalties as he was signed for £350,000.
Becoming Kenny Dalglish’s first signing for Liverpool since taking over as manager, he made a huge impact winning a double in 1986 with the league title and FA Cup.
3. Peter Beardsley (Liverpool 1987-1991 & Everton 1991-1993)
Another player who impressed the Anfield faithful was Beardsley who joined from Newcastle United in 1987 for a record transfer fee of £1.9 million.
Also winning 2 league titles during his time at Anfield, before leaving for Everton in 1991 for £1 million.
2. Abel Xavier (Everton 1999-2002 & Liverpool 2002-2003)
The last player to make the move to both sides, Xavier was a skilled defender who Everton snapped up in 1999.
However, with his contract running down he decided to make the move to the other side of Stanley Park.
His time at Anfield didn’t last long, only staying for one season before being moved on to Galatasaray on loan.
1. Nick Barmby (1996-2000 & Liverpool 2000-2002)
Barmby was the first player to be directly sold to Liverpool by Everton since Dave Hickson in 1959.
Making over 100 appearances for the blues, making the £6 million move to Anfield was deemed controversial.
However, the forward was apart of the 2001 treble winning season and even scored against his old team in the Merseyside Derby in 2000.
Everton will be looking for victory against Liverpool on Wednesday, not winning a derby at Goodison for more than ten years.
