Everton are back in action this week as they face fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
The international break has come to a close and thankfully for Everton, it’s given their injured players additional time to get back to fitness.
Iliman Ndiaye could make the bench against Liverpool, whilst Armando Broja is now back to full fitness after impressing for Albania on international duty.
David Moyes’ side head into the clash nine unbeaten, but they’ll really be tested at Anfield, with Liverpool gunning for the Premier League title.
The last Merseyside derby produced some dramatic and intense moments, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Arne Slot both shown red cards.
And, ahead of the reverse fixture on Wednesday, Slot has been reflecting on what happened at Goodison Park and refused to rule out it happening again, surprisingly.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Arne Slot ‘can’t promise’ another red card
Slot spoke to the media on Tuesday morning to preview the crunch clash against Everton.
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The Liverpool boss was asked if he’d approach this game with a calmer mindset, having let the emotions get the better of him last time out, but he actually admitted that he can’t promise another similar situation.
“I hope I would act differently but I can’t promise that,” Slot told reporters.
“I experienced eight minutes of so many controversies against us. I don’t think I will experience that again but you never know.”
Clearly, the Dutchman still holds some anger towards the refereeing decisions that went against his side at Goodison Park.
Dwight McNeil could return to Everton XI
Everton will indeed be the underdogs at Anfield, but, their chances have been boosted by the returns of key attackers.
The goals have dried up in recent weeks which has resulted in a number of draws and that’s largely due to the injuries in attack.
But, as we alluded to, Ndiaye could make the squad and perhaps the club’s best winger Dwight McNeil starts for the first time in 2025.
McNeil was pictured back in Everton training during the international break and seems slightly ahead of Ndiaye in terms of fitness.
So, Jack Harrison is expected to make way for the former Burnley wide player.