With the derby against Everton FC looming, this is exactly the kind of game where Liverpool FC need to get everything right.
For me, this is the team that should start:
My XI
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili
DEF: Jeremie Frimpong – Ibrahima Konate – Virgil van Dijk – Andrew Robertson
MID: Dominik Szoboszlai – Ryan Gravenberch – Curtis Jones
ATT: Mohamed Salah – Federico Chiesa – Ngumoha
Why Robertson Starts
This is a derby — not a game for experiments.
👉 Andrew Robertson brings:
Experience
Leadership
Understanding of what this fixture means
You need that at left-back in a game like this.
Jones Knows The Derby
In midfield, Curtis Jones has to start.
👉 He understands:
The intensity
The emotion
The responsibility
That matters more than anything in a derby.
Start Chiesa, Then Change It
Up front, I’d go with Federico Chiesa.
👉 Let him:
Run himself into the ground
Stretch the game
Cause problems early
Then in the second half:
👉 Bring on Alexander Isak to take advantage of tired legs
Give Ngumoha A Chance
This is the type of game where a fearless player can make a difference.
👉 Ngumoha would:
Worry defenders
Bring unpredictability
Play without fear
And if he tires?
👉 You’ve got Cody Gakpo ready to come on
The Balance Is Right
This team gives you:
Experience at the back
Energy in midfield
Pace and unpredictability up front
👉 Exactly what you need in a derby
But Let’s Be Honest…
As much as this team makes sense:
👉 I don’t expect Arne Slot to pick it
And that’s been part of the frustration this season.
The Bottom Line
Derby games aren’t about tactics alone.
They’re about:
Fight
Intensity
Players who understand the moment
👉 This XI has that.
The question is:
👉 Will Liverpool use it?
Jamie (The Kopite View)