EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park for the first Merseyside derby of the season. The Reds are embroiled in a three way title race whilst Benitez’s Everton are on a 7 game winless run, knowing full well a result here could turn things around. We take a look at how Jürgen Klopp could line his team up for the encounter.

You can find a preview of the game here:

https://made4liverpool.com/2021/11/30/everton-vs-liverpool-preview/

There were no injuries to report after the last game against Southampton, as Jürgen Klopp reported a clean bill of health for the squad he’s had available for the last two games. With this game being the fourth game in just ten days since the international break, we could see one or two changes as fresh legs are sought.

In goal, Alisson Becker will continue as he seeks to make it four clean sheets in a row in all competitions. Alexander-Arnold will continue at right back after getting a rest a week ago against Porto. Joel Matip meanwhile, should return to the side in place of Konaté after being given a breather at the weekend.

He will partner Van Dijk again, with the Dutchman returning to the scene of his ACL injury last year. At left back, Andy Robertson should continue in the side, with Tsimikas likely to come in for the next fixture at Wolves as Robertson’s work load continues to be managed wisely.

It was a welcome return to form for the Scottish captain at the weekend, after a topsy turvy season which has been interrupted by injury. His experience and leadership will be needed in this hostile encounter, and he will want to pick up where he left off against Southampton.

In midfield, we could see a change with Thiago the only one to have started all three games in the past week. Henderson wasn’t in the lineup against Arsenal and Porto, Fabinho was rested against Porto, whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain also missed out from the start against Southampton.

It is unlikely Thiago will start a fourth game in ten days, even if he was taken off just before the hour mark last time out. It is more likely the trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Oxlade-Chamberlain will get the nod to start, with the Spanish schemer being given a cameo off the bench.

Veteran James Milner is also available should the manager want more solidity and physicality in what is usually a no holds barred battle, especially in the middle of the park. Young Tyler Morton will also likely be amongst the subs. Should Ox get the nod, he’ll be due a goal as he’s yet to score this season.

With more license to arrive in the box this season, we’ve seen more goals from midfield. The likes of Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Keita and Jones have all gotten on the scoresheet yet Ox, who is usually the most prolific, is curiously yet to net. He’s gone close in recent weeks and the Merseyside derby wouldn’t be a bad place to start.

In attack, we could see a spanner thrown in the works. Mané and Salah have both started each of the last three, this after playing for their countries during the international break. With Klopp usually throwing a curve ball with his derby selection, could we see Origi and/or Minamino?

Jota didn’t feature at all against Porto, so should be fine to go again here. Who starts alongside him is unclear however. It could be the usual duo of Mané and Salah, but as indicated, there could be rotation. Origi loves a game against Everton and is likelier to get the nod over Minamino who lacks the physicality required in the derby, certainly from the start.

Should the manager feel the need to rotate one of his star wide men, Origi is always on hand to deliver another memorable moment. He’s basically built his Liverpool career on moments. The gaffer could as well choose to go full strength and save any rotation for Wolves. With everything surrounding this game, we reckon that’s how he’ll go.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Jota, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Williams, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Thiago, Morton, Minamino, Origi.