Liverpool will face Everton in the Premier League clash at Anfield to commence the final phase of the current season. The Reds have nine games remaining in the Premier League this season with a healthy 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.
As they face Everton at home, the controversial late draw at Goodison Park remains fresh in the Reds fans’ minds. Everton grabbed a late goal to secure a 2-2 draw as the referee Michael Oliver and VAR ignored a visible foul on Ibrahima Konate during the build-up for that goal.
The game also contained numerous frustrating calls from Oliver as Liverpool’s two drop points allowed Arsenal to capitalize. The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended with red cards to Abdoulaye Doucoure, Curtis Jones and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. However, a lot has changed since that game as Liverpool mustered some important victories while the Gunners stumbled.
Nevertheless, revenge is the last thing on the Reds’ mind as three points remain the priority for Slot’s men. After suffering a dreadful week just before the March international break, Slot must right many wrongs on Wednesday evening.
Liverpool vs Everton: Recent form
Everton have registered four draws in the last five Premier League games as they have not participated in any other competition since the FA Cup exit against Bournemouth, earlier in February. The Toffees last registered a victory in mid-February 1-2 against Crystal Palace in the away Premier League game.
David Moyes’ men registered four straight draws since then, against Manchester United, Brentford, Wolves and West Ham United. Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered elimination from the Champions League and the Carabao Cup final loss against Newcastle United.
The Reds won three out of their last five fixtures in all competitions, including a 2-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle. Furthermore, they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the away leg along with a Premier League victory over Southampton.
Liverpool vs Everton: Predicted lineup
Everton have Orel Mangala and Dominic Calvert-Lewin unavailable for the Merseyside derby. Vitalii Mykolenko has a late fitness test while Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have just returned to training.
Moyes has several options for the positions, contrary to the situation Everton faced this season with injuries.
Everton’s predicted starting XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young; Alcaraz, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Harrison; Beto.
Liverpool have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez unavailable for selection for the Merseyside Derby. Conor Bradley has returned to full training but Slot could use Jarell Quansah at the right-back position if Bradley lacks sufficient match fitness.
Alexis Mac Allister is among the South American players who have returned late from their international duties. The situation could allow Curtis Jones to start the game and having a Scouse in a Merseyside derby adds incentive.
With Cody Gakpo fully fit, Slot could deploy the Dutchman over Luis Diaz, who has also returned late. Slot also has a big decision to make in attack as Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have struggled with form.
Federico Chiesa produced a fantastic performance during the final stages of the Carabao Cup loss. While his starting inclusion looks very unlikely, we hope that he will play more frequently in the remaining fixtures.
The Kop Times predicted the starting eleven for Liverpool against Everton for the Premier League clash at Anfield.
The Kop Times predicted the starting eleven for Liverpool against Everton for the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool’s predicted starting XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
Liverpool vs Everton: Predicted scoreline
The Kop Times predict a 2-0 home victory for Liverpool to rejuvenate their efforts to win the Premier League title. While the elimination from the Champions League and the Carabao Cup final loss looms over the Reds, the Merseyside Derby is a perfect fixture to bounce back.
Furthermore, the closer Liverpool gets to securing the Premier League title, the more Slot could give chances to other players. Players like Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Chiesa have done well despite receiving limited game time this season. There is a good argument that they deserve to play more often compared to the many starting players who have struggled with performances.