Everton v Liverpool called off hours before kick-off, Toffees release statement

However, the fixture has now been postponed due to the effects of Storm Darragh.

High winds and rain have ripped through the UK's west coast - and the decision was made at around 8.30am on Saturday morning.

An Everton statement read: "Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today's fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.

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"Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

"All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture."

Meanwhile, talkSPORT will now bring you live commentary of the Championship clash between Leeds and Derby at 12.30pm instead.

While the postponement of Premier League matches is incredibly rare, Storm Darragh has caused huge disruption to Saturday's sporting schedule.

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In the Championship, Cardiff vs Watford and Plymouth vs Oxford were called off on Friday.

The League One match between Bristol Rovers and Bolton was called off, as was Newport vs Carlisle in League Two after the Welsh FA postponed all matches due to a red weather warning.

Numerous more postponements expected to follow at lower league level.

Elsewhere, Saturday afternoon's meetings at both Aintree and Chepstow were abandoned due to the strong winds.

Liverpool were set to travel to their local rivals Everton for the last time in the Premier League - with the Toffees moving to their new stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Reds are currently nine points clear at the top of the league, while Everton are 15th and five points above the drop zone.

Saturday's four other top-flight matches - Brentford vs Newcastle, Aston Villa vs Southampton, Crystal Palace vs Man City and Nottingham Forest vs Man United - all remain unaffected but fans are urged to take care when travelling.

Gusts of 93mph were recorded and three million people have been sent the government's 'risk to life' alert to their mobile phones.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News: "About three million homes will have had the emergency alert system to their mobile phone. I would just encourage anyone who has had that to follow the advice."

He added: "Where you can, stay inside, don't put yourself at risk, and just follow the advice at all times."