**After a lengthy international break, Liverpool are back in Premier League action, resuming their title charge with a crucial Merseyside derby at Anfield.**
Following Arsenal’s victory on Tuesday night, the gap at the top now stands at nine points, making this clash even more significant in the race for the title.
The last meeting at Goodison Park ended in a controversial 2-2 draw, and with Everton battling for survival, another dramatic encounter is expected.
With a win, Liverpool can restore their 12 point lead and further solidify their grip on a 20th league title but Everton will certainly be keen to complicate their bitter rivals’ hopes of silverware.
It will be fascinating to see Arne Slot’s approach to the derby after his first taste a Merseyside derby in February.
Arne Slot only has two team selection questions to answer
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Heading into the game, Arne Slot faces two key selection decisions – at right-back and centre-forward.
At the back, Jarell Quansah keeps his spot as Conor Bradley continues to regain full fitness after returning to training.
He joins a backline of Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson, protecting Alisson in goal.
In midfield, a fully rested Ryan Gravenberch slots in alongside Alexis Mac Allister, while Dominik Szoboszlai pushes forward into an attacking role. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott provide strong options from the bench if needed.
In attack, Diogo Jota edges out Federico Chiesa for the No.9 role, with Cody Gakpo reclaiming his spot on the left wing and Mohamed Salah on the right. Slot considered deploying Chiesa centrally, but with so much at stake, this isn’t the time for experiments.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)
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**XI**: Alisson; Quansah, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.
With momentum and a statement victory on the line, Liverpool will be determined to take all three points in front of their home crowd and even more importantly, it’s a chance to get back on track after losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United.
Disappointing as that was, Liverpool fans should not listen to those belittling Arne Slot winning _only_ the Premier League title in his first season in charge.
He may be building on the incredible foundation left behind by Jurgen Klopp but Slot has exceeded everyone’s expectations – including most Liverpool fans – by even being in the title race.
A win over Everton tonight puts them within touching distance of the Premier League title.