Liverpool Set to Shake Up Squad Against Everton After Stunning Atletico Madrid Victory
The 247th chapter of one of English football's most intense rivalries will unfold at Anfield this Saturday as Liverpool welcome Everton in Premier League action.
Liverpool have controlled encounters between these Merseyside neighbors in recent years and enter as heavy favorites to claim their 30th Premier League triumph over Everton. The Reds have secured victory in all five matches this campaign through dramatic late moments and aim to preserve their flawless start.
Arne Slot may need to adjust his starting eleven after Liverpool's midweek Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid, though the Dutch manager possesses impressive squad options following the summer transfer window investments.
Here's how Liverpool might set up for the local derby.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Everton (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Liverpool have allowed six goals across their five fixtures this season with Alisson unable to prevent any of them. The Brazilian showed his frustration with his defense's vulnerability once more in midweek.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong returned to the starting formation against Atléti and displayed his typical energy along Liverpool's right flank. He'll need to monitor Jack Grealish closely in defensive phases.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Liverpool's unsuccessful pursuit of Marc Guéhi appears to have motivated the French center-back, who has shown marked improvement in recent outings. He faces the challenge of handling Beto's physical presence this weekend.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The captain rescued Liverpool against Atléti with his injury-time header that delivered another dramatic victory for the Reds. He also registered more passes than any teammate against the Spanish side.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez couldn't argue with his first-half substitution at Burnley last weekend and was benched for Andrew Robertson on Wednesday. However, the Hungarian's pace and strength might be needed against the dangerous Iliman Ndiaye, potentially earning him an instant return.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—The Dutch midfielder set up Mohamed Salah's early goal in midweek, already matching half his goal contributions from the entire previous campaign.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister suffered a heavy challenge against Burnley and only appeared as a substitute in Europe, but he's likely to be ready for the starting role.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz will be keen to break his scoring drought in the derby to win over Liverpool fans. His Anfield career has started quietly, but he showed greater sharpness midweek and was unlucky not to create an assist.
RW: Mohamed Salah—The Egyptian rediscovered his form in midweek, combining a fortunate assist with a classic Salah finish. He's found the net eight times in 13 encounters with the Toffees and will look to extend that record.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Alexander Isak completed an hour on his Liverpool debut and could start again on Saturday. But Slot may be careful with the striker's adaptation and might prefer Hugo Ekitiké from the beginning against Everton.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo delivered an unexpectedly poor performance against Atléti but should keep his place for Everton's arrival. He's scored only once in three previous matches against the Toffees.
