Frustrated at dropping two points against Newcastle United last time out, Liverpool would have been wanting to get back on the pitch as soon as possible in the Premier League. Instead, the Merseyside derby was postponed.

It remains to be seen when the game will be played instead but while there are disadvantages too, there are definitely upsides to the Reds not being in action this weekend. For a few reasons, it could actually work out in Arne Slot's favor.

Alexis Mac Allister, who was set to miss the Merseyside derby through suspension, will now sit out the match with Fulham next weekend instead. He will have an 11-day break to take a rest and recuperate because he is also suspended for the Champions League trip to Girona on Tuesday, but will be available when the Everton game takes place (unless he gets another suspension or injury).

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Depending on when the match will be rearranged, other missing players including the injured Ibrahima Konate and Alisson Becker could be back available again. Slot could also have some more depth to use from the bench if Federico Chiesa is now nearing a return and he might even have a new signing to add to the mix if the game is after the January window.

Even with the same players available, it would be preferable for Liverpool to play the match in conditions that are not as challenging as playing in high winds. Facing a Sean Dyche side with the weather something of a leveler would be far from ideal. Instead, things might be considerably easier when the new date is confirmed.

Having some extra time off heading into the festive period — albeit the Premier League fixture schedule is not quite so crazy this year because of when Christmas Day falls — is no bad thing for Liverpool. Arsenal and Manchester City might be able to close the gap this weekend and it is always better to have the points on the board rather than games in hand, but the Reds will still be top regardless.