Everton are hoping to hold the forthcoming Merseyside derby at Goodison Park and avoid playing Liverpool at a neutral venue, having requested a meeting with the city council’s safety advisory group.

The 236th Merseyside derby – expected to be played on the weekend of 20 June – was one of several rearranged Premier League games which Mark Roberts, the national football police chief, last week said could pose a safety risk by attracting supporters to congregate outside the ground.

Liverpool’s trips to Manchester City and Newcastle, as well as City vs Newcastle and Manchester United vs Sheffield United, were also identified as games that may need to be played at neutral stadiums in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The game in which Liverpool could secure the league title” was also listed. Jurgen Klopp’s side are on the verge of ending their 30-year wait to be crowned champions and victory in the derby alone will be enough if City lose to Arsenal on 17 June.

But Merseyside Police contradicted Roberts last Friday and insisted that they would not oppose any matches being played at either Goodison or Anfield. “We have a good working relationship with both clubs and their fan groups, and are content we can work together in advance of the restart of the season,” said assistant chief constable Rob Carden.

Both Everton and Liverpool, meanwhile, would prefer to play all of their remaining home games at their own grounds. A decision on whether the derby and any potential title-decider can be held in Liverpool will ultimately be taken by council’s safety advisory group, which will meet with the two clubs, supporter groups, the police and emergency services.

The subject of neutral venues is likely to be raised again at a Premier League meeting on Thursday​, with clubs expected to push for all of the remaining 92 top-flight matches to be held at home stadiums.

Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, said on Saturday: “In the next seven to 10 days we will have a clearer picture about whether any of our fixtures are going to have to be played in neutral venues. We hope the number will be low.”

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