Liverpool XI vs Everton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Everton: How Will Arne Slot Lineup in his First Merseyside Derby at Anfield?

The international break is finally over and what a game to come back to, the Merseyside Derby.

It’s Arne Slot’s first Merseyside Derby clash at Anfield and the Dutchman will be looking for revenge after the controversial late equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. Slot was sent off at the end of that game, along with his Assistant Manager Sipke Hulshoff, whilst Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure also saw red for a scuffle after the final whistle.

It’s now time for for revenge for the Reds, who have a fairly strong squad available after the international break with just a few players absent through injury.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the latest team news and our predicted XI for this one…

Right-Back Dilemma

At the back, Alisson Becker will start in goal despite leaving the Brazil camp early due to concussion protocols. The Brazilian is expected to be cleared to play in this one.

The main talking point in the whole side is the right-back role. Trent Alexander-Arnold is definitely out for this one, as he continues his recovery from a suspected ankle injury. His usual backup Conor Bradley is also a doubt for this one but is expected to be involved against Fulham at the weekend. Therefore, Jarell Quansah will start again at right-back.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of defence and will be joined by Ibrahima Konate, whilst Joe Gomez remains sidelined through injury but is expected to return in the next couple of weeks.

At left-back, Andy Robertson will get the nod ahead of Kostas Tsimikas and will look to put in some strong performances before the end of the season.

Verdict: Alisson, Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

Midfield Decisions

If this game had happened directly after the international break, then I think we would be seeing a couple of tweaks in the midfield. However, with the FA Cup weekend giving the players more time to prepare for this one then I think we could be seeing our usual full strength midfield trio.

Ryan Gravenberch is expected to start despite leaving the Netherlands’ international camp early, but that has been seen more as a precaution than anything. He will be joined by his usual midfield partner of Alexis Mac Allister, who put in some brilliant performances for Argentina in the break.

Photo: IMAGO

Ahead of them, Dominik Szoboszlai will start as the most advanced midfielder, whilst Curtis Jones will get minutes off the bench. The likes of Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott will also be hoping for minutes, but that will purely depend on the state of play.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai

Striker Issues

Slot faces a huge decision in his front-line, with the poor club form of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez causing some issues. Some have even called for Federico Chiesa to start as the central striker after his late goal against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final defeat.

However, I think Slot will lean towards using Jota as the central striker for this one and will be hoping that the Portuguese forward can play himself into some sort of form ahead of the run-in.

Photo: IMAGO

Mohamed Salah will start in the right-wing, whilst Cody Gakpo will come into the side on the opposite flank after finally returning to full fitness.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Gakpo

Starting XI: Alisson, Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Gakpo

Bench: Kelleher, Bradley, Endo, Tsimikas, Jones, Elliott, Chiesa, Nunez, Diaz