Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton: major Kerkez and Isak selection calls made for Merseyside derby
The latest Liverpool team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash vs Everton
Liverpool’s mission to defend their status as Premier League champions continues this weekend in a game against local rivals Everton, who will be eager to put a dent in their opponent’s 100 percent record.
Liverpool have only lost one of their 28 home matches against the Blues and have never previously lost to any team managed by David Moyes at Anfield.
The Reds were once again were on’‘Arne Slot O’clock’ when they beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield in midweek, after a last-gasp winner from captain fantastic Virgil van Dijk in stoppage time sealed the three points in their Champions League opener. The Premier League holders stormed into a two-goal advantage after just six minutes, but as they have done three times already this season, allowed their opponents back into the game by letting a two-goal advantage slip away from them in the 87th minute.
The holders have shown great resilience and a never-say-die attitude throughout this season which epitomises just why they are champions but they are still yet to win in comprehensive fashion this term as they prepare to go toe-to-toe with their Merseyside foes. Club-record signing Alexander Isak made his first start for the club in Europe and was subbed off after 63 minutes. But is he likely to start this weekend or will Hugo Ekitike return to the starting line-up? Here’s our predicted Liverpool lineup ahead of what promises to be a vociferous atmosphere at Anfield:
Liverpool predicted line-up vs Everton
GK: Alisson Becker: The Liverpool No.1 has an excellent track record in Merseyside derbies and has a decisive role to play over the course of the season between the posts.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong: The Netherlands international made his comeback against Atleti after injury and looked solid throughout the 58 minutes he got on the pitch. He’s likely to start ahead of Conor Bradley.
CB: Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool’s captain and the match-winner in midweek is a player that lives for these kinds of occasions. He’ll start and will hope to continue his excellent derby day record.
CB: Ibrahima Konate: France international Ibrahima Konate is expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk. He’s not had the best start to the campaign but is still one of the best in his position in the division.
LB: Andrew Robertson: The Scotsman scored against Atletico and looks to have won back the trust of Arne Slot. His experience in Merseyside derbies could give him the edge over Milos Kerkez in this instance.
Liverpool’s likely midfield and attack to face Everton
CM: Ryan Gravenberch: The Netherlands international has started the season immensely well and is rapidly becoming one of the most important players in the club’s midfield. He’s expected to have a busy afternoon in the middle of the park.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai: The Hungary international has done fairly well as a makeshift right-back due to injuries but is expected to now return to a more familiar midfield role. He’s likely to start ahead of Alexis Mac Allister based on recent performances.
CAM: Florian Wirtz: The best is still to come from former Bundesliga winner Florian Wirtz and he’ll hope to really endear himself to the Anfield faithful with a top performance on derby day.
RW: Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian has looked subdued at times this season but that hasn’t stopped him finding the net on a regular basis. He produced his best performance of the campaign against Atletico and will look to add to that against Everton.
LW: Hugo Ekitike: French international Hugo Ekitike returns to the starting line-up in place of Cody Gakpo. He could be deployed in an unorthodox left-wing position as Arne Slot tries to fit all his premium attacking options into the same team. Cody Gakpo will be the first option to try and influence the game from the bench.
ST: Alexander Isak: The Swedish forward enjoyed a steady debut against Atletico but failed to score in his 60 minute outing. He’s still building fitness and may not play the full 90 minutes but is likely to be given the chance to get off the mark against the Toffees.
Full Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton: Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike; Isak.