Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2024-25
© IMAGO - Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2024-25
Liverpool face Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park for the final time.
The two rivals will play in the 12:30 Premier League fixture on Saturday with the Reds looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table.
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Arne Slot's side had a setback on Wednesday night, drawing 3-3 at Newcastle, while Everton enjoyed a fine 4-0 win over Wolves.
It means the Toffees will be feeling confident heading into this weekend's local derby, having downed the Reds 2-0 at this ground last season.
And with Arne Slot without up to SEVEN first-team players, there are plenty of selection headaches for the Dutchman to deal with.
Here we run through what we think will be the starting XI on Saturday.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
No prizes for guessing who we've selected in goal. While Alisson Becker is expected back before the end of the year, it will be Kelleher who starts between the sticks despite a high-profile error on Wednesday.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Rested midweek as he finds his way back to full fitness, Trent was nonetheless pivotal in helping the Reds earn a point against the Magpies. He provided two assists for Mohamed Salah and looks certain to start following Jarell Quansah's difficulties and Conor Bradley's injury.
CB: Joe Gomez
Perhaps a little rusty, the long-serving defender endured a torrid time at St. James' Park. But owing to a lack of options, he will probably get the nod again. No Ibrahima Konate due to injury means Slot's defence suddenly looks a lot less secure.
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CB: Virgil van Dijk
The captain's durability is more important than ever during these testing times and he will be relied upon as usual at Goodison Park.
LB: Andy Robertson
Robbo is without senior competition currently with Kostas Tsimikas injured, although the Scot has mostly been in possession of the left-back shirt in the Premier League this season. No more pens though please Robbo!
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutchman showed some signs of fatigue during the Newcastle game but will not be afforded a rest this weekend with Alexis Mac Allister suspended. He is one game away from a suspension.
CM: Curtis Jones
We think the England international will fill a deeper midfield role in the absence of Mac Allister. Although adept at playing further forward, this is how Slot has been thinking on previous occasions that the Argentine World Cup winner has been out.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai came on midweek to good effect against Newcastle and is almost assured of a place in the starting XI on Saturday with Mac Allister out.
Mo Salah Liverpool
© IMAGO - Mo Salah Liverpool
RW: Mohamed Salah
First name on the teamsheet these days given his extraordinary output in front of goal. There can be simply no let-up in his form if Liverpool are to go close to winning the title. Please, FSG, renew his contract.
LW: Cody Gakpo
Looking assured on the left side of attack as Luis Diaz fills in elsewhere is Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman was lively against Newcastle and did well to score against Manchester City last weekend.
ST: Luis Diaz
Likely to revert to a No.9 role against Everton in the derby, Luis Diaz presents a very different kind of threat to opposition defences than Darwin Nunez. He could do with a goal however as he is without one since September in the league.
(4-2-3-1); Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
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