Liverpool and Everton see late appeal to reschedule Merseyside derby denied as both sides aim to give Toffees a boost for Arsenal clash

The derby will be played at Anfield on Wednesday 2 April, a date that has been confirmed after the both clubs made the request, according to Mail Sport. The Toffees play Arsenal the following Saturday and would have liked an extra day to prepare - as would Liverpool, who are aiming to hold off the Gunners for the Premier League title.

Liverpool lead Arsenal by 12 points at the top of the Premier League table but have not yet wrapped up the title and have lost their last two matches in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

The appeal was dismissed as, despite hosting the Gunners at 12.30pm the following Saturday, the Toffees will not be forced to play again within 60 hours, which is the minimum period allowed.

Liverpool will be keen to enact revenge on Everton, who dramatically equalised to steal a point from the reverse fixture when James Tarkowski crashed in a last-minute volley. Another win would take them a step closer to what seems an inevitable second Premier League title, while Everton are effectively playing for pride in their last season at Goodison Park.