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Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Everton as Gomez, Nunez and Diaz calls made

Liverpool face Everton in the final ever Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park today (12.30pm) in need of victory to keep Arsenal well out of reach. The Reds' lead over the Gunners dropped from nine points to seven after drawing with Newcastle in midweek.

And with Arsenal heavily fancied to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow, dropping more points against the Blues would see Liverpool offer their rivals some extra confidence as their momentum surges.

Express Sport looks at how Arne Slot could line up as he gets his first taste of this fixture with the brief trip across Stanley Park...

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

After his rare mistake cost Liverpool a victory late on at Newcastle, the otherwise dependable Caoimhin Kelleher will seek a confidence-boosting performance here and will be need to be dominant in his six-yard box.

The Irishman has conceded eight goals across his last three away matches in the league and this will be his first experience of playing at Goodison at senior level. Everton are likely to put plenty of crosses right on top of the goalkeeper.

Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson

Liverpool struggled with Jarell Quansah at right-back against Newcastle but he might keep his place in the starting eleven thanks to his height and superior aerial ability compared to Joe Gomez.

Whoever starts at centre-half, what's certain is that Trent Alexander-Arnold will return at right-back. He had a huge impact at Newcastle and would love to play a decisive role at Goodison Park.

Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson will keep their starting spots with Arne Slot restricted rotation-wise by injuries.

Midfield: Gravenberch, Jones

The Reds are without the combative Alexis Mac Allister due to a one-match suspension after he picked up his fifth yellow of the season at St James' Park.

And with Wataru Endo unfancied by Arne Slot and Harvey Elliott still returning to match sharpness, Liverpool's midfield picks itself. Curtis Jones will drop back into a deeper position alongside Ryan Gravenberch and will be asked to help set the tempo.

Gravenberch looked tired last time out and the return of the energetic Dominik Szoboszlai to the starting line-up in front of him in the No.10 role will be crucial.

Attack: Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz

With Szoboszlai in the creative role, he will be flanked by arguably the best player in the world on current form - Mohamed Salah - and Cody Gakpo on either side.

Gakpo struggled at Newcastle and missed a headed chance he should have scored but has eight goals this term from the left wing. The Dutchman's height will be valuable at set-pieces, offensively and defensively.

Darwin Nunez produced his worst outing for the Merseyside club in midweek and will drop to the bench. Luis Diaz, with nine goals this season but none in his career against Everton, will be deployed centrally.

Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz

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