Liverpool are preparing for one of the most important Merseyside derbies for quite some time as Arne Slot’s side can go nine points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Everton at Goodison Park tonight.
It will likely be the last Merseyside derby at the historic Everton stadium with the Blues set to move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium from next season, adding another dimension to the game.
For Liverpool, however, it only means the chance to move closer to another league title and the first under Slot.
Having just been knocked out of the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle on Sunday, Liverpool will be glad of a chance to put the disappointing result behind them.
What should Liverpool’s starting lineup to face Everton be?
Slot has several options he can all on but it all depends on the direction he expects the game to take.
GK – Alisson Becker
No surprises here. Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet and while he has had a couple of injury problems this season, his class is still the same.
LB – Andy Robertson
With so much riding on the game today, Robertson’s experience and balanced approach could be key. If he does start, the Scotsman needs to keep his concentration after being guilty of switching off at times this season.
Centre-back – van Dijk and Konate
The two centre-backs have been unbelievable together this season. Their combination of pace, strength and class on the ball have made Liverpool so difficult to break down. Tonight, Everton will be very direct and will need van Dijk and Konate to be focused and ruthless.
RB – Conor Bradley
Even if Trent Alexander-Arnold has recovered in time, Bradley’s passionate defensive approach is what Liverpool need tonight. Midfield and attack can be trusted to get the goalscoring side of things done tonight but Liverpool need to keep things simple defensively.
Midfield – Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai
Liverpool have done so well with this midfield this season that it makes the complaints in the summer look rather silly. Gravenberch has been particularly impressive but Mac Allister and Szoboszlai deserve a lot of credit as well.
Attack- Salah, Diaz and Gakpo
These three have been lethal this season and should be relishing the chance to make Everton’s last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as miserable as ever.
Predicted starting XI: Alisson, Robertson, van Dijk, Konate, Bradley, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Diaz, Salah.
