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Date – 7th December 2024
Venue – Goodison Park
Kick-off – 12.30
After a frustrating midweek draw against Newcastle United, Arne Slot encounters another challenging opponent in his effort to maintain a seven point lead at the top of the Premier League table. A short trip across Stanley Park will see the clash between Merseyside’s red and blue contingencies, as local rivals Everton host title-chasing Liverpool.
The last time Everton won against Liverpool at home in the Premier League…
… Mikel Arteta was on the scoresheet! pic.twitter.com/tZ3siUuQom
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 24, 2024
Everton Availability
Timothy Iroegbunam, James Garner, Youssef Ramalho Chermiti, and Dele Alli are unavailable for Sean Dyche, as Michael Keane faces a late fitness test.
Recent form includes a 4-0 home win against Wolves and a 0-4 loss away to Manchester United, following a scoreless draw with Brentford at Goodison Park. After fourteen games played, fourteen points have been attained with a precarious 15th place in the English top tier ensuing.
Below is a predicted lineup for the home team, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. After the Toffees’ superb midweek win over Wolves, an unchanged team is expected.
GK – Jordan Pickford
RB – Ashley Young
RCB – James Tarkowski
LCB – Jarrad Branthwaite
LB – Vitalii Mykolenko
CM – Idrissa Gueye
ACM – Abdoulaye Doucouré
CM – Orel Mangala
RW – Iliman Ndiaye
CF – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
LW – Dwight McNeil
120 – Tomorrow sees the 120th Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in all competitions, and the last ever to be played in the league. The head-to-head stands at 41 wins each for both Everton and Liverpool (D37) going into the match. Poised. pic.twitter.com/4uGhD1cB9g
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 6, 2024
The Liverpool Availability
Federico Chiesa is close to a return to the first-team squad, however, that will likely not be until the Champions League tie against Girona on Tuesday. Alisson Becker may now return to the bench for this game, though Diogo Jota is likely to be held back until next week. Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, and Kostas Tsimikas are all unavailable for Arne Slot. Alexis Mac Allister is suspended.
In terms of recent form, before the midweek 3-3 draw with Newcastle, Liverpool convincingly defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield, following a 2-0 victory against fellow Champions League contenders Real Madrid, also at Anfield. After fourteen games played, Liverpool sits at the top of the Premier League with an impressive total of 35 points.
Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this vital encounter. Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander Arnold will come back into the starting eleven, whereas Dominik Szoboszlai will be tasked with adding running power to the midfield.
GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
RB – Trent Alexander Arnold
RCB – Jarell Quansah
LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Andy Robertson
CM – Curtis Jones
ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai
CM – Ryan Gravenberch
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Luis Díaz
LF – Cody Gakpo
How Will This Contest Play Out
Liverpool will want to ensure three points are won with a convincing win. The urgency needed after the midweek draw should see a fast start, with the quality of the visitors shining through.
Player to watch – Dominik Szoboszlai
Steven Smith’s Score Prediction;
Everton 1 – 2 Liverpool
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